New Release: Springbank 21 Year Old Official Belgium Edition 48.2%

So far, the most refined expression. Springbank SPRINGBANK 21yo OB for Belgium 48.2% one of 342 bottles, Oloroso Sherry Hogshead The aroma features concentrated sherry fruits like strawberries and plum jam, dried fruits such as raisins, American coffee, bitter chocolate, toasted barley, roasted sesame seeds, slightly oily, a touch of grassy notes, and some peat with richness. On the palate, it begins with a smooth mouthfeel expanding into a rich aroma. The sherry is present but not dominant, with concentrated notes of strawberry jam and a slightly textured mouthfeel providing a satisfying chewiness. Toasted barley umami, a rich sweetness with depth, astringent bitterness from dark chocolate, strong peatiness, oily and peaty characteristics, and a long, luxurious finish. [Very Good] This is the official bottling of Springbank 21 Year Old, now being released as a single cask for multiple markets starting this year. Previously introduced for the UK and Italy, this one is specifically for Belgium. The back label features a logo commemorating Nectar's 10th anniversary, likely the official import agent. While all other releases (UK, Italy, and Japan) were from sherry butts, this Belgium edition is from a sherry hogshead. Additionally, while previous releases had unusually high numbers of bottles for their cask type, this Belgium edition also has an unexpectedly high number for a hogshead. Despite the high numbers, hogsheads typically yield fewer bottles, making this one difficult to acquire. I managed to obtain a single bottle and had it opened at Yurakucho. The aroma has a strong sherry character, with the expected strawberry jam notes alongside dried fruits. The peatiness carries a slightly smoky, charred character and is quite pronounced. On the palate, the strong sherry presence dominates without being overwhelming, with the strawberry jam notes remaining intact. The unique textured mouthfeel provides a satisfying chewiness. The rich sweetness is balanced by tannic bitterness, with lingering barley umami and a strong peat finish that lingers long. Due to the different cask specifications, this clearly differs from other single casks, offering a distinct and well-defined sherry and peat character. The flavor is rich but not over-ripe, presenting a straightforwardly delicious sherry cask Springbank. So far, this release has been my favorite.