Stoic Drinker’s Notes
2015-12-07 | Good/Very Good

Springbank 1992-2007 15 Year Old Da'Vile 'Newborn'

#スプリングバンク(SPRINGBANK)
I think this is a malt with high potential, regardless of its organic status. Springbank SPRINGBANK 1992-2007 15yo for DA MHILE 'NEWBORN' 56.4% One of 153 bottles The aroma is rich with strong sherry, berry jam, grape notes, clove, caramel, leather, burnt strong barley, and cinnamon rolls. When drinking, it starts with a smooth mouthfeel that expands powerfully, featuring intense sweetness from herbs and mint, berry jam, strong woodiness, tannic astringency, and grassy bitterness. The finish has lingering sweetness and bitterness. [Good/Very Good] This organic whisky from Springbank, created in 1992 as 'Da'Vile,' appears to have several variations including diluted versions. This particular bottling was released in 2007. While there are official bottles for Da'Vile, this one seems to be treated as a private cask. Reading the back label with my limited English skills, it appears this organic whisky was commissioned by someone whose first grandchild, Danny, is commemorated here. The photo on the label seems to be of that Danny. Interestingly, although unrelated, Three Rivers' Life Series first release also featured a similar baby-labeled Springbank. Regarding the core content, it's extremely rich and complex. Despite being aged for 15 years, the cask influence strongly suggests a first-fill sherry barrel. It requires time and a reasonable amount to fully unravel. Both aroma and flavor are densely packed content, making it difficult to grasp the full picture even after dilution. While the umami is intense, the bitterness is also noticeable, leaving a slightly fatigued impression. I get the feeling it would be better to let it rest for another 10 years before opening. As a reference, I plan to try it again from the bottom of the bottle. By the way, although the type differs, I remember a recent local bottling from Lowland also being similarly challenging to unravel. Springbank often requires time, whether after bottling or after opening. It seems this has always been the case.