Taster

Nose: Sweetish. Fragrant. Smoky, with fruit behind. Like an applewood grill. Hint of salty sea air.

Palate: Soft. Marshmallowy. Sweet red apples. Pears. Hedgerow fruits.

Finish: Small explosion of spiciness. Peppermint.

Comment: More rounded and elegant than the earlier, 10 Years Old rum cask. I enjoy the Springbank rum cask whiskies very much, though not at the expense of the more traditional expressions.

Score: 9

Taster

Nose: All quite sweet and light with banana, café au lait, dried fig, but as it opens out comes some sooty/peaty notes. An intriguing mix.

Palate: A very solid start with toffee/caramelised fruit in the centre held in check by a slightly austere grip.

Finish: Smoky with raisin, baked banana, spice.

Comment: The sweetness of the rum is never allowed to dominate the Springbank character. Well integrated.

Score: 7.5