Springbank 12 Year Old 2024 Review: Bold and Balanced

Introduction Springbank’s 12 Year Old Cask Strength always nudges its way into my tasting lineup when a new edition hits the shelf. With each batch varying slightly, it's never quite the same dram twice. The 2024 release caught my attention as soon as I saw the sherry-to-bourbon cask ratio and the 55.7% strength. Springbank usually walks the line well between the richness of sherry and the clean, slightly industrial edge of Campbeltown whisky, so I was curious to see how this batch would land. Nose It opened with more weight than I expected. The sherry casks take the lead initially, pushing forward with notes of dark raisins, leather, and a slightly musty earthiness, almost like damp tobacco leaves. There’s that usual Springbank oiliness underneath—it’s not heavily peated, but there’s a distinct mineral smoke threading through everything. A little air opens things up: a salty sea breeze, hints of cola syrup, blackcurrant jam, and bitter chocolate begin to surface. It’s complex but grounded; no big surprises, just depth. Palate At cask strength, this dram doesn’t pull its punches. Full-bodied from the first sip, with a thick, oily texture I’ve come to expect from Springbank. The sherry influence continues, but it feels more integrated than it did on the nose. Dark fruit cake, burnt sugar, and a smack of espresso bitterness sit alongside a surprisingly briny edge. The funk—what many call the Springbank “rattle”—is here but not overpowering. Notes of graphite, spiced nuts, and a touch of gingerbread round things out. It shifts nicely as you sip, with each return offering slightly different nuances. Finish The finish is long and slow. Initially warming, even a bit sharp from the high ABV, but it settles down to a charred oak and salted toffee character. There’s a bit of cracked black pepper that lingers, and only after a minute or so does the maritime note make its way back—like brine and oily smoke caught in your breath. Nothing feels rushed about it. You’re left with a mouth-coating richness and a drying effect that invites another sip. Price and Value Springbank pricing has crept up in the past few years, and this 2024 edition isn’t especially cheap. That said, you're getting a cask strength whisky with real character. In current market terms, it feels fairly positioned for the quality, especially considering many core-range bottlings from other distilleries are heading into similar price territory without the same craft credentials. I wouldn’t call it a bargain, but if you’re a Springbank fan, it delivers what you'd want. Background Distilled in Campbeltown, the 2024 expression of Springbank 12 Year Old is bottled at 55.7% ABV and built from a vatting of 50% sherry and 50% bourbon casks. What makes Springbank stand out is its traditional process: no chill filtering, no added colour, and everything—from malting to bottling—is done onsite. The Springbank distillery is still one of the few in Scotland that does floor malting, contributing a lot to its distinctly layered house style. Batch variation is real with these releases, and that’s part of the appeal. Some editions are fruitier, others smokier or more oxidative. This 2024 version leans toward the darker, more robust side of the profile—likely due to generous sherry cask influence, though the bourbon casks help maintain some brightness and balance. Final Notes Would I buy this bottle again? If I had the shelf space and budget, yes. This isn’t an everyday pour, but it’s one I’d reach for when I want something with substance and detail. For someone new to cask strength whiskies, it may be a bit assertive unless you enjoy that heavier style—or are happy to add a splash of water. How does it compare to other Campbeltown malts? It’s punchier than the Hazelburn 10, smokier than most Glen Scotia offerings, and more rustic in feel than Kilkerran, though there’s overlap. As for the right moment to open a bottle like this—I'd save it for quiet evenings when you have time to sit with it. The complexity builds glass by glass.