New Release: Springbank 1999-2016 16 Year Old Official "Local Barley" Japan Exclusive

Compared to the UK version, I felt a noticeable difference. Springbank SPRINGBANK 1999-2016 16yo OB "Local Barley" for JAPAN 54.3% One of 9000 bottles The aroma combines elegance and relaxation, with notes of apricot jam, orange marmalade, vanilla cream, a youthful yet strong barley character, and peat with tar and smoke. Upon drinking, it surprisingly has viscosity, gradually revealing spiciness, orange, vanilla cream, a gentle yet youthful barley with umami, honey-like sweetness, slight citrus acidity, and an oily finish that lingers in the mouth with a strong peat presence and a sweet, long-lasting aftertaste. 【Very Good】 This is a reissue label of the Springbank 1999, 16-year-old "Local Barley". While the overseas version I previously reviewed was purchased through international channels, this Japanese official bottling comes through the authorized distributor Whisky E. Considering Springbank's production scale, I had assumed it would be challenging to maintain consistent flavor across all 9000 bottles produced via vatting, making this Japanese release particularly intriguing. Upon actual tasting, while my personal condition and prior malts might have influenced perception, I detected a slightly different flavor profile. The UK version was already consumed entirely at home, but it maintained a consistent dry character from start to finish, whereas this Japanese bottling feels more restrained in that aspect, with a viscous texture and softer, sweeter impression. I sensed a slightly stronger sherry influence and milder peat character, which likely contributed to this impression. However, there are no significant differences in the core elements, particularly the umami-rich barley character, which remains clearly present. A wonderful bottle that evokes a sense of future potential. There may be Springbank's characteristic evolution, and I'd certainly like to try it again. #Springbank (SPRINGBANK)