Springbank 21 Year Old Darkness Oloroso Cask Finish 46.5% ABV

Campbeltown icon Springbank is always an in-demand distillery. Put the oily, malty, robust spirit through an intense Oloroso finish, and it becomes all the more remarkable. The team behind Darkness use octave casks in their whisky maturation, a tiny, custom-made vessel that holds around 50 litres. It’s a technique that amplifies the flavour imparted by the cask – and the results here are extraordinary. 

Tasting note:

Nose: A sweet-savoury delight with toffee and boiled sweets offset by a gamey meat and an earthy liquorice note. 

Palate: Robust and bold, the earthiness builds into a smouldering smoke with wood spices, dried fruits and toasted pecan nuts.

Finish: Long and aromatic, with gentle wisps of smoke.