Springbank 25yo Cadenhead 46% Black Dampy Bottle 1980s Bottling

The condition was exceptional, which surprised me. Springbank SPRINGBANK 25yo Cadenhead 46% 1980s Bottling The aroma features a pleasant old sherry, strawberry jam, toasty malt, and a gradual depth of tanned leather and damp earth accompanied by old peat. On the palate, it begins with a smooth mouthfeel, delivering an unexpectedly rich fullness that defies expectations of dilution. The old sherry remains robust, the malt offers savory umami notes, and a jammy sweetness with a subtle earthy depth. A touch of mineral and saltiness lingers, mirroring the aroma's leathery and earthy characteristics. The finish carries a long-lasting gentle old peat note. [Very Good/Excellent] This is a 1980s bottling of Springbank 25 Year Old by Cadenhead. As Cadenhead shares the same capital as Springbank Distillery, this bottling holds a near-official status. The contents are likely from 1950s distillation. Black Cadenhead bottlings have typically aged over 30 years post-bottling, and among them, watered-down releases like the Brown Connies (contemporary to the GM Connies Choice) are often viewed with caution regarding condition. However, this bottle was exceptionally well-preserved, likely due to being a master cask release. A pleasant old sherry character was evident, with a deep strawberry jam presence clearly detectable in both aroma and flavor. Thanks to excellent aging, it exhibits a damp leather texture, earthy nuances, and old peat notes while retaining a balanced malt character. The content is remarkably full-bodied, with no signs of dilution. The body remains intact, the balance is high-level, and overall, it's an outstanding Springbank. This bottle was uncorked to celebrate the 19th anniversary of Oud Vee in Sagamihara. Congratulations! #Springbank (SPRINGBANK)