New Release: Springbank 18 Year Old Official Bottling 2014

This year's version may be divisive. Springbank SPRINGBANK 18yo OB 46% 2014 release The aroma features sherry, bitter chocolate-covered dry orange, dried fruits, brewed black tea, dashi soy sauce, toasted barley, pronounced peat, smooth on the palate with sweet notes of bitter chocolate and dried fruits, slightly sulfurous with stronger dashi soy sauce characteristics, peat present, astringency is moderately strong but adds depth. [Okay/Good] New release from the official bottler: Springbank 18 Year Old, 2014 edition. While likely a small batch focused on sherry, the aroma suggests classic sherry cask characteristics like dried fruits and chocolate, alongside a slightly dashi soy sauce-like nuance that I personally find challenging. On the palate, it has a viscous texture and smooth mouthfeel. The sherry-derived flavor profile is clearly present, though the dashi soy sauce-like elements and sulfurous notes are also noticeable. Additionally, while many Springbank releases from the late 90s had strong peat characteristics, this one also exhibits a pronounced peat note. A rich malt with concentrated sweetness and astringency, though I couldn't give it high marks due to some unappealing elements. However, considering the potential for enjoyment, I felt it deserved inclusion as a notable new release.