Springbank 31 yo 1966 / 1997 #489 52%

Its reputation precedes it but let’s see. A rollercoaster of pine tar, citrus liqueur, engine fumes, opened boxes of chocolate dates, plump purples yet astringently walnut-like. Both dry and rich with an indomitable phenolic backbone. Black soot, salted licorice, preserved limes and plenty of fragrant wood resins. The richer elements certainly have a loud voice and its not till the tongue where peat and petrol waves everything aside, escorted with dry rooty earth, bitters and tinctures and dirty salt sand. Its actually the finish where the whole really transcends. Already a winner, there is no need to make comparisons with the absolute best of the local barleys. 93 pts