Springbank 21 Year Old 2023: # 553

[@jonadad]

Despite the cultish following that SpringBank has and the difficulty to buy bottles that has been the case for years now, the beautiful thing is that the old school Springbank juice distilled in the 1960s/1970s can still be had at auction for what is relatively a steal compared to the much lower quality of the modern bottlings distilled in the 1990s/2000s once Springbank re-opened after the 1980s crash. 1960s/1970s old school juice will never be surpassed IMO. For example, at auction right now the Springbank 21 "Tall bottle" bottlings from either 1995-1996 or 1998-1999 or the 2000-2001 or the special release 2005 can all be had for anywhere from 950usd to 1400usd per bottle (incl. fees shipping), depending on how lucky/skilled one can be at auction. These old school 21 "Tall bottle" releases were all distilled in the 1970s, and most score in the 92-93 range (depending on the year of release and the particular batch). There are some lesser batches that will score 90-91, but those are mostly in the 2000/2001 releases with lighter vatting. For how amazing and unique that stuff is, and how cultish of a following Springbank has, I'm shocked the prices are not higher for old-school juice quality that will never be seen again.

[@topshelfwhisky]

I don't believe I've had "old" SB. But I don't doubt a word you said. I was told once, old SB needed to be aged, the younger stuff was mediocre. Any truthto that?

[@DonnerPassWhisky]

Live vicariously with you guys on these SB21's. Friday, I did pick up a. 08.08.2022 bottle of Hazelburn 10 that was praised by Dustin and Phil highly a while back. So far, the first dram is quite good. Looking forward to how it evolves. Cheers guys

[@davidcraig8367]

Great review. Was about to roll the dice on the 23SB21. Going to wait for your review of the 2024SB21 which is 65% port. Keep up your very important work!

[@topshelfwhisky]

I hope we can get our hands on it.

[@Faisalhossain-s5h]

Lowest I’ve seen 1k for the 21 years! Btw got 3 2024 SB cask strength for 140 avg (NYC) Thanks again for the recommendation 😊

[@topshelfdustin3060]

Killed it with that one!

[@topshelfwhisky]

Nice pickup!

[@JoukoL]

Great conversation as always! Have to see if I can catch a sample or something. Btw, is there a Springbank 18 yo 2024 review coming at some point? It has bit more reasonable price tag and seems quite interesting with only bourbon maturation in play.

[@topshelfwhisky]

Not sure it's bottles yet but Dustin never misses a 18 year release

[@andypike1234]

Recommend you a dropper for water. You literally pour a drop or two.

[@topshelfwhisky]

@@andypike1234 I keep breaking them. I need one made out of metal.

[@andypike1234]

@@topshelfwhisky I use the glass one with the rubber dropper. But don´t have Hulk hands 😏What about plastic ones? Don´t mean straws.

[@kebbergenoegvan3554]

Personally wasn't too impressed with this, wasn't too much exciting about it. Much preferred this years local barley to this, and even the 12 CS.