Mini SBT from naoskprs Sample: C

A regular Mini SBT with the malt community member naoskprs, next is Sample C. (Contents below are based on blind tasting.) ・Mini SBT from naoskprs Sample: C The aroma is strong peat, faint iodine, nuts like pistachio, oil, concentrated citrus, vanilla, a touch of apricot, honey, rich. When drinking, it starts with a strong mouthfeel expanding into a fragrant aroma, grapefruit, concentrated citrus sensation, rich umami components with chewiness, strong peat, thick body, powerful presence, long spicy and fruity finish. 【Very Good】 The concentrated citrus-centered fruits with chewiness left a very good impression, the umami components are rich and the peat is solid with presence. This is a very personal favorite peated malt. The uniqueness makes me first think of Laphroaig from the early 1980s (sometimes also in 1987). Other similar nuances can be found occasionally in Port Ellen and some Caol Ila. Distilled in the 1970s to early 1980s, matured for about 20-25 years in refill heads. Around 55% cask strength, I suppose. ・Prediction 1. Laphroaig 2. Port Ellen 3. Caol Ila I sent the tasting notes and prediction via email as above. The correct answer is... Springbank SPRINGBANK 1994-2001 17yo BBR #49 55% It was Springbank from BBR, distilled in 1994 and matured for 17 years. Following B, this was the second consecutive Springbank question, and as a stoic drinker, it's quite shameful that both were predicted to be Islay malts. Moreover, this bottle was not only peated but also had a unique concentrated citrus sensation often found in early 1980s Laphroaig, which is why I confidently answered Laphroaig. Indeed, this kind of concentrated fruity note can be found in Springbank but usually in older vintages. The fruitiness reminiscent of older vintages, combined with the recent Springbank-like peat, makes it understandable upon knowing the answer. It was a very interesting bottle. And most importantly, it tasted great to my preference. However, as a blind tasting prediction, I completely failed. Moreover, after the correct answer was revealed, I asked for another taste and even with knowing it's Springbank, it still tasted Laphroaig-like. I wouldn't be confident in guessing correctly if this question came up again... #Springbank (SPRINGBANK) #SBT