There’s a certain magic to winter—the crisp air, the quiet evenings, the moments that invite reflection. It’s the season for slowing down, for seeking warmth and comfort in life’s little pleasures. And sometimes, it’s the perfect time to pour a dram of something special. As the cold settles in, let’s take a closer look at the Springbank 15-Year-Old, a whisky that feels right at home in the heart of winter.

If you’ve got your whiskey bingo card ready, prepare to check off a classic: Springbank 10. It’s the whisky I’ll always bring up when discussing Springbank, and for good reason. This gem strikes the ideal balance between price, character, and flavour while maintaining an effortlessly understated charm. Though it’s becoming harder to find, it remains my go-to. But sometimes, when the 10 becomes elusive, you’ve got to pivot—and that’s exactly what I did when I had the chance to snag the 15-year-old.

Now, let’s get something straight: just because a whisky matures five years longer doesn’t automatically make it better. I often draw comparisons to Redbreast—a prime example where the 12 (and even the 10!) outshine the 15 in terms of overall quality. In my humble opinion, the same might apply here. So, diving into the Springbank 15 is bound to be interesting.

Ah, the second buzzword of the day: rarity. Springbank has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the most elusive whiskies on the market. For enthusiasts like me, tracking down a bottle often hinges not on what you know but who you know. Luckily, I’ve been fortunate to have friends who can help source these unicorns at cost price, saving me from the ever-rising auction premiums. As demand for Springbank continues to soar, the hunt for a bottle only heightens the appeal of this iconic brand.

Speaking of friends, my good mate Phil (@causewaycoastwhiskeyreviews)—fondly dubbed “Mr. Springbank” in my circle—has been instrumental in my Springbank journey. A devoted admirer of the distillery, Phil has not only shared his expertise but also generously provided samples that sparked my appreciation for this whisky. His advice has guided many of my Springbank purchases, and it’s always spot on. While he’s not the biggest fan of the Springbank 15, he did suggest it was worth a try at retail price. And when someone as seasoned as “Mr. Springbank” gives you the nod, you know it’s worth taking a punt.

The final square on the whisky bingo card—securing the jackpot, no less—is, of course, batch variation. It’s widely acknowledged that Springbank’s batches have fluctuated over the years, each carrying its own unique character. While my focus here is solely on the 2023 release of Springbank 15, it’s worth noting the rich tapestry of versions that have preceded it, each with its own subtleties and surprises. For those craving a deep dive into these variations, Dramface has already done a phenomenal job of chronicling them in detail—a level of meticulousness I’ll happily leave to their expertise!

Springbank 15

ABV: 46%

Price: £75 (if you’re lucky….)

Nose: Lots of sweetness come to to fore instantly, with a hit of cherry treacle and flat cherry coke. There’s a beautiful fruitiness too with stewed apples with cinnamon dusting, a real Autumn-fest.  It feels refined too, with boozy raisins, sultanas and Cadbury dairy milk. Penny toffee chews, Earl Grey tea and cereal malts.

Palate: The palate is great. Great texture, thick and syrupy. This time it’s more of a juicy plum note, along with some orange zest. Almost tastes fizzy, with cola bottles and boiled sweets. There’s a little mustiness from it too, very subtle smoke, like playing embers of a campfire. Coffee beans and molasses.

Finish: The finish, whilst subtle is equally as good; plum skin and cola cubes. There’s a good hint of tobacco and smoky vanilla. Baked fruits. Lovely

Summary

This was the perfect companion for a cold winter’s night—warming, inviting, and packed with flavour. What truly stood out for me was the incredible depth and complexity of the flavours. The subtle smokiness added a gentle, balanced touch, while the hint of sweetness elevated the experience just enough to make it really good. It’s this meticulous balance that has become a signature hallmark of Springbank’s offerings, and this dram is no exception. A truly delightful sip that ticks all the right boxes.

Is it absolutely perfect? Perhaps not, though it’s hard to put my finger on why. Could it be that it feels a touch predictable? Maybe. Or perhaps it’s the inevitable comparison to the iconic Springbank 10, which sets such a high benchmark for the distillery that everything else is judged against it—fairly or unfairly. Regardless, what stands out is how much I’m enjoying the journey with Springbank so far. While it’s a slow process, given how elusive some bottles can be, it’s undoubtedly a rewarding and thoroughly enjoyable adventure.

Phil always mentioned that he switched to Scotch because Irish whiskey had become a little predictable, overpriced, and a bit underwhelming. And I can completely see why he made the change. What Springbank brings to the table is refinement, exceptional quality, and a price point that feels more than fair for what you’re getting. My Springbank journey is far from over, and I’m excited to see where it leads next!

Score: 7.5/10