Springbank Distillery
Springbank Florentine's Aged 24 Years Cask No. 409 1988 - 98 Proof
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Experience rarity with Springbank Florentine's Aged 24 Years, a distinguished single malt Scotch from the legendary 1988 vintage. Cask No. 409 unveils unparalleled complexity, marrying maritime character with deep fruit, smoke, and exquisite oak. This extremely limited release is a connoisseur's dream, offering a profound taste of Campbeltown's finest heritage.
Tasting Notes
Nose: A sophisticated and ethereal nose, characteristic of aged Springbank, yet with an unexpected, delicate fruitiness. Initial notes of brine and maritime air are beautifully interwoven with antique leather, beeswax, and old mahogany. As it opens, whispers of dried apricot, stewed apples, and a hint of exotic spices like nutmeg and star anise emerge. A subtle smoky peat, akin to distant bonfire embers, provides a deep, grounding layer, while a sweet, almost honeyed florality hints at its Campbeltown provenance. There's an underlying complexity that suggests years of slow interaction with quality oak.
Palate: The palate immediately confirms the nose's promise of elegance and depth. A remarkably oily and viscous texture coats the mouth, delivering a symphony of flavors. The maritime brine is present but balanced by a rich sweetness of dark honey, caramel sauce, and dark chocolate. Layers of dried tropical fruits – mango, pineapple, and passionfruit – are intertwined with a nutty character, reminiscent of roasted almonds and walnuts. The peat smoke is more pronounced than on the nose, providing a savory counterpoint without overwhelming the delicate fruit and spice. Hints of ginger, cinnamon, and a gentle oak spice provide structure and complexity. There's a mineralic quality that speaks to its terroir, alongside a delicate, almost waxy note.
Finish: The finish is exceptionally long, warm, and evolving, a testament to its age and cask quality. The initial sweetness and fruit recede slowly, leaving a lingering warmth of subtle peat smoke and a gentle oak dryness. Notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and a hint of menthol freshness remain. The maritime influence returns subtly, a final whisper of the Campbeltown coast. A profound earthy characteristic and a touch of black pepper spice provide a satisfying and memorable conclusion, inviting contemplation.
About the Distillery
Springbank Distillery, located in Campbeltown, Scotland, holds the unique distinction of being Scotland's oldest family-owned distillery. Established in 1828, it is one of only two distilleries remaining in Campbeltown and is renowned for its traditional production methods, including malting 100% of its own barley on-site. Springbank produces three distinct styles of whisky (Springbank, Longrow, and Hazelburn) and is celebrated globally for its distinctive, often maritime-influenced, and complex single malts.