I wondered what had happened on Patreon. Thanks for the explanation. As for Springbank, and all those long established craft industries who keep alive the traditional ways of making, we should treasure them, support them and acknowledge their status. They are a treasure, they are the stewards, the trustees, and the gatekeepers, standing up against the perversion of commercial greed and unwarranted profiteering. Hats off to Springbank.
Indeed, but no need to put crazy prices. Kilkomman also very craft way distillery but prices are reasonable and available mostly everywhere. Also grown own barley and process it and distill own whiskey store it. But prices more reasonable. Spring bank become sort of vanished distillery like Brora, that you need a luck to buy.
In Sweden we just had a web release of 400 bottles of Springbank 15, 400 bottles of Springbank 18 and 100 bottles of Longrow 21. They all sold out. In 0,5 seconds.
If it wasnt for Ralfy, i wouldnt have found my way to this amazing Dram oh so many years ago. Thanksf or every moment of shared info and passion, you are truly appreciated, Ralfy!
I had a couple of bottles in 2018/19 when it was £45 a go. Its a great dram no doubt...but when the retailers are flipping it at £120 !? I can get a Deanston 12, a Ledaig 10 and an Arran 10 for the same amount.
I bought a bottle of the Springbank 10 and quite frankly i wasn't impressed. I respect their commitment to tradition however, and i liked the Longrow whisky a lot. I managed to obtain a bottle of hazelburn as well we'll see how that one goes.
We did a tour of Springbank last week. An almost spiritual experience, especially seeing the malting floor in person. “Authentic , historical and real” is a perfect description
I found a bottle of Springbank 10 at my local. In fact , there were 4 bottles on the shelf (3 now) I nearly fainted.😊 It's my birthday tomorrow, oh happy day. 🥃
Same here, I walked into my local shop here in the French Alps and he had 4 bottles on the shelf. Been drinking the 10 yo for years so imagine my delight.
I will never forget what Steve Jobs said, and he was so spot on, that I have seen this occur over and over , over the years. He said something along the lines of - When a company's marketing departments call the shots, the innovation ceases to exist. That happened to Apple and every other company that once had a solid product, this happened to Bourbon, and this happened to Scotch. But...then we have the companys that speak softly and carry a big stick, like Springbank. Who still are ran by quality of the product, not the marketers new edgy pitch. Now, what box and color label can we hit the customers with next Macallan?
Hi Ralfy, what a passionate heartfelt rant that was. So genuine and well considered. Well said! Fortunately there are the Kilkerrans, Filey Bay, Arran & Ardbegs still available. Nick from York
1:56 cute kitty video bomb! Thought he would knock over the glass getting to his treats. Can't get hold of Springbank. When there are bottles available, they are stupidly priced. Plenty of other good whiskies out there that are more readily available and more affordable. Cheers!
So many non-whisky nerd drinkers are seeking out Springbank. I was in BBR in St James's London the other day and a couple came in, enquiring about Springbank. I spoke to them and was very clear they knew very little about whisky so I told them about the Kilkerran Cask Strength that was still on the shelves being a good bottle and pointed to some others too. It seems that for many it is Springbank or bust - just because it has the recognition of being the connoisseur's favourite they naturally latch on. Whilst I like Springbank I cannot be bothered going to the lengths to pick it up when I can get similar enjoyment from a whole host of other natural presentation single malts that are readily available.
I was asked if it was any good by somebody hunting it, I had to be honest and reply I think it was but I can't remember it's been so long since I've seen a bottle🤷
@@richardb4358bought it from Berry Brothers store and seen it there from time to time too. Also here that some other bricks and mortar whisky specialists get it in too
Thank you for your enlightenment .Always a pleasure to see your analysis of the manufactures and markets and tastes of consumers and how they all intertwine
Well done dear Ralfy! I am happy that I took your advice years ago and got a back up bottle. I now only drink a dram on a special occasion and happy day… like today with you. Kindest regards, S.
Hi Ralfy, Springbank is one of my favorites in my Whisky collection containing SPRINGBANK 10Y SPRINGBANK Burgundy 12Y SPRINGBANK SHERRY WOOD 17Y SPRINGBANK Local Barley 11Y SPRINGBANK 15Y SPRINKGBANK PORTWOOD 14Y SPRINGBANK Bourbon Barrel 14Y SPRINGBANK 18Y Can recommend any of them - great drams - Thanks for your always great videos.
I just found a small liquor store and a small town whose previous owner had recently died and she said there was a bottle of the 10-year and the blended on the back shelf. I'm checking reviews. Not sure if I should grab it or not for $90 for the 10 year.
Happy Malty Monday Dear Sir. ❤. So sad. That bottle used to be easy to come by but no more in my area. You are correct sir. I’ve been shopping more at SWA than retail as of late. Even shipping here to the USA I would rather pay for what I’m looking for than spend on lesser product. Thankfully Compass Box Glasgow Blend is still handy. That has become my standard go to.
$185 here in Aus. Happy to bag one despite it being over the price that I said I would pay for it. Here we are. No guilt. For the next 12 months it won’t be available for less than $250.
Does this count : Malevolent malt shakers , cold filtered mole chasers and barley botherers. Either way, cheers to Ralfy and his fellow malteasers. Forgot to add that there is a new distillery recently opened here in Porto. For anyone interested or planning a trip it’s called: The Little Faca Distillery.
Hear, hear..!!! Thank you for being a cat lover Ralfy. It shows the sensitive and intuitive sides of your character non cat lovers will not understand. 🥃Cheers. Unfortunately cost of Springbank bottlings has become prohibitive here in Southern California. Oh well, there is always Glen Scotia to turn to.
I am one of the lucky ones who in 2023 finally managed to buy a bottle of Springbank 10 in Hungary - at a normal price. I'm Kilkerran 12 fun, luckily it's available on our market, it's one of the best for me in terms of quality and taste. I like the peat, peat/sherry line the most. I would like to note here that I was given a Bowmore 15 as a gift, it was the worst whiskey of my life. Unbelievable that under a traditional Scottish name they are actually selling a watered down flavored JIMBEAM liqueur style liquid - disguised as a ROLEX watch. (although there is no cask strength factory Bowmore of these!) The biggest killer of the new world will be profit. Substitutes, flavor enhancers in food and drinks. Produce cheap - sell expensive. Good luck with the channel and building the whisky community!
I would say Kilkerran, Bruichladdich, Ardnamurchan, Arran and the Distell distilleries (Bunnahabhain, Tobermory, Deanston). Farm distilleries like Kilchoman, Daftmill and Lochlea are in the discussion also. That said none of them have all the pieces of the puzzle to truly knock Springbank off the perch.
Springbank deserve their accolades. They do things the right way and dont get above themselves. Their quality is always good and work with their community. For me they treat their customers with respect, not contempt. Totally agree with your sentiments
Magnificent Review 1014. Very much a State of the Union address there Ralfy. What were your prescient prognostications not long ago are pretty much the present now. I did chuckle when you got to NFTs. I internally shouted ''HOUSE!'' ......
Hi from Switzerland. I''d been searching for Springbank 10 for the 3 last years, and finally 2 weeks ago, I could find 6 bottles of this incredible whisky at a reasonable price of 90 CHF (81 pounds). I bought a bottle of Springbank 15 at a price of 140 CHF (127 pounds) found it excellent but not worth the price compared to Springbank 10. We can find easily the Longrow peated at 60 CHF (54 pounds) an excellent value, the hazelburn 10 at 71.40 CHF (65 CHF) , the kilkerran 12 at 59 CH (53 pounds) and the kilkerran 16 at 100 CHF (90pounds). They are all excellent whiskies, but for me the best is Springbank 10, everything's perfect from the nose to the very long finish. I've been searching for the Longrow 18, still waiting ! Long live to you and Springbank.
Just to add I was lucky enough to get my Springbank and Kilkerran from Masters of Malt. They put you on a waiting list and email you when they have new stock. You have to be quick though! Kilkerran 12 is a great option. 👍🏾
I’ve visited both Spring Bank and The MacAllan Megachurch. It’s quite impressive in it’s own monolithic way the latter - and dug in for the zombie apocalypse as well it seems. Nice people, a fine historical display. A posh Hogwarts library of blends. It’s just that the actual product is vastly overpriced and does not hold a candle to Spring Bank neither as a visitors experience nor, more importantly, as a distillery. You can very likely forget about easily getting anything from the core range, even as a visitor at Spring Bank though. Sells out within the first few moments of opening. There’ll be a queue, regularly I understand. But incidentally the eternity barrels they have in the shop can also deliver some quite unique experiences if you’’re willing to take the chance on them. Still have a Longrow in my stash though from back when … fortunately.
You are 100% on the money with what you say about the fragility in Scotch whisky in general and the industry in Scotland - regardless of all the new distilleries appearing which may give the impression that everything is hunky dory. Some price increases are inevitable, but the level of taxation that the Government enforce is ludicrous. I imagine most Tory MP's love a glass of single malt as well, so that irony just goes on. And when you also get big companies like Brown-Forman coming in from across the pond and tearing up a once brilliant and accessible distillery like GlenDronach with their bad-dream-like price hikes (and throw in BenRiach and Glenglassaugh), the damage is just accelerated. For now, GlenAllachie are keeping the boat afloat and going in the right direction for me, and I'm leaning more and more towards Kavalan and hoping Ian Chang at Komoro will shower us all with some incredible spirit very soon. On a positive, I so want a bothy with a lovely old wood burner. My family would never see me again!
I’ve read that Springbank’s capacity is 750,000 liters a year, but they only produce about 15% of that annually as recently as 2021. How close to the truth is that and is the reason is that the Mitchell family doesn’t want to expand more rapidly than could be sustained by their experienced workforce of longtime employees?
@@robfut9954 Springbank maintains very reasonable MSRP, i.e. the Springbank 10 yo is £52. Flippers, unethical retailers, and the secondary market charges exorbitant prices, so Springbank is not creating false shortages to hike prices since their prices are reasonable. There’s another reason.
They floor malt 100% of their own barley. That is the limiting factor, not the size of stills & capacity of washbacks or other factors which dictate the technical 'maximum' capacity of a distillery. By insisting on exclusively floor malting on site they massively reduce the quantity of malt available to distill. Floor maltings take up huge amounts of space compared to drum maltings. Springbank would need to take over a significant amount of Campbeltown just to have enough space to floor malt enough barley to reach their 'maximum' capacity, let alone expand beyond it.
@@luviansbottleshop4893 sounds like a major bottleneck… so we shouldn’t expect this to reverse directions and become more available or less expensive anytime soon then.
@@robfut9954 Bluntly, no. They have talked about increasing malting capacity in the last couple of years, but you would be talking about an increase of maybe 5% percent annually of spirit that realistically wouldn't be sold for another decade. Springbank is going to stay small for a long while yet.
It’s good, but not worth paying above RRP for, and even though I know of 2 stockists that usually have affordable SB10 on their shelves, I’d reach for PC10 everytime. But to compare like-for-like (unpeated, ex-bourbon cask), I think Ardna is close and they haven’t even reached age statements yet, while Arran 10 is half the price and as good on nose/arrival if not quite as complex and a shorter finish. SB do a commendable job producing a very, very solid whisky but there’s really no need to pay silly money for it when there are so many great alternatives right now.
The price at retail isn't affected by the scarcity with Springbank, their prices have increased (along with input costs) but they're still affordable. Keep at it!
Honestly I’m quite tired of hearing about Springbank simply because it STILL is a phantom in the US where I am. And frankly based on the prices I hear whispers about, I wouldn’t buy it for what some have paid. I’ll say it again, it reminds me of how Pappy went from being a bourbon I bought regularly to one I resent. And I have trouble understanding how there is still banter going on unless it’s a LOT easier to get in the UK then where I am. Because I have not seen it freely available on the shelf since 2019.
Availability: obviously easier in Europe - it’s made in Scotland - but can still be difficult. Actually readily available (I know of two shops that usually have SB10 on the shelves), I just don’t like it as much as some other Scotches. The Ardna Sherry cask has more peat and more flavour for me, ditto PC 10.
@@elduderino3120 wow, so it actually exists on shelves somewhere! I do agree though, it’s good but honestly I do not understand the obsession some have. I’ve only had the 10, but for the difficulty and price I have no problem simply moving on. Makes me wonder why anyone where I am would enter a raffle
Adding to the hype, the fomo and thus building the price and scarcity. By jeez there are going to be a bucketload of disappointed buyers out there when they finally taste it and discover it’s just a good whisky, nothing more nothing less. And thanks Ralfy after the SB sermon I enjoyed the quick summary of the UK’s economic woes. Stick to the whisky, you’re turning into a human form of Macallan.
It is 100% true, of course, can't be argued... however, sadly, it'll probably soon lead to the same situation that's developed with certain "allocated" american whiskeys (artificially maintained by distilleries, I'm sure). It all started when a certain celebrity said on teevee that pappy van winkle is the best bourbon in the world and people who knew nothing of it started snapping it up. Then followed Elmer T. Lee, Blanton's, Stagg, then even the budget options like Weller, Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, EH Taylor, certainly the BTAC. Someone would call another bottling "a poor man's papy", and the frenzy renewed. And now most of these are unobtainium or available at absolutely ludicrous prices, despite stores regularly getting small shipments, only to be immediately snapped up by scalpers. All good or great whiskeys, no doubt, but out of reach for regular folks. If a basic Springbank bottling ends up costing $500 or more, it won't matter to me whether or not it's the best. And I guarantee, if that happens, it'll drag the other Campbeltown distilleries up as well. Hopefully there'll be other distilleries waiting for their turn to become "the whisky drinker's distillery".
Roughly 6 or 7 years ago. I bought a bottle of the 10yr old in Australia for $110.00. From the same shop now it is going for $250.00 AUD. The 15yr old was $150.00 AUD, Now it is $399.00. It is a great whisky but in my opinion it is no better or worse in quality than Deanston 12, Ardbeg 5, 10, Arran 10, Glencadam 10 and many others. Maybe a controversial viewpoint but the 10yr Springbank is a bit overhyped for me. and not worth $250.00 AUD a bottle. No current commercial 10yr old whisky is worth that kind of money. Adam from Sydney.😀
No matter how tight things get, Springbank will survive. Quite frankly, they can put their prices up, and people will pay it. It's quality, .... & good for them. Forfeited income now is an investment in their future. A very sound business model.
Hi Ralfy and thanks for your videos ! Springbank is getting crazy in terms of prices and availability, here in France the standard 10 year old is approaching 100 Euros ! The 12 year old cask strength approaches 200 Euros and remains available for only a few minutes. Reputation begins to outweigh actual quality ! Would Springbank become the new Macallan ?
It is widely reported that the USA TTB is about to announce an approved American Single Malt Whiskey category. Gone is the whiskey requirement for new American oak casks. There are already over 200 distilleries making single malt whiskey in the USA. Get ready for some serious competition in the single malt space.
I suspect that there will be huge variety in American Single Malt. The Pacific Northwest will probably be closest to Scotland and be aged longer but that is distilled in warmer climes will mature faster. I expect a big variety of taste and smell.
I thought the new oak was only a requirement for "straight whiskey" and bourbon (which may or may not be straight). There are products called "whisk(e)y" aged in reused cooperage. In fact, corn whiskey it specifically either not aged at all, or aged in uncharred or non-new barrels. But bourbon-mash, rye and malt can all be aged in reused barrels, it just wouldn't be called "straight" and certainly not "bourbon". I'm just going from memory. If you have a link, it would be much appreciated.
Along with those requirements, "gone" too will be all those ex-bourbon casks so many Scotches rely on - why would they ship them across the Atlantic if there's an armada of domestic customers? The wine & sherry profile will become more popular than ever I guess.
Ralfy, love him or not (and I love him) talks a hell of a lot of sense. I would like to add him to my list of individuals to be put forward for cryogenic freezing. He along with a handful of others deserve to be cherished forever. Failing that....let's try get him an MBE or something. 😉
I get my Springbank 10 whenever I want, just at my local retailer, for €59,- I cannot believe how hard it is for some people in the comments. Never had any trouble at all.
I'd actually be fine with no restrictions on number of awards to be won in this catagory. If the question is "What distillery do you as a consumer want OTHER distilleries to emulate in their production of whisky?" then I say let THAT distillery garner the award until another distillery wrenches it away with even better practices.
I love Springbank and what they are and represent. However, I get seriously pissed off that folk in certain parts of the States and Canada can pick up bottles (bottles) off the shelf in the local shop. I know how the game is played in the U.K but buying off the shelf is pretty rare. Even if you can the retailers have whacked the price up. You have to be pals with the allocated retailer or extremely lucky. Springbank can do better.
It's difficult to rate a distillery so highly when their product is either not available at all at online whisky stores or is being sold for £500 and up for even their cheapest core range. The only way to obtain Springbank at original retail cost is to travel to the distillery. It maybe in terms of authenticity of production, a wonderful distillery to visit, but if its product is pretty much unobtainable, unless you are willing to spend thousands of pounds, then it is simply irrelevant, just as you wouldn't name a car manufacture which produces 3 cars a year, car manufacturer of the year. In addition to this, I feel that it's important to point out that frankly (and I know I'm going to upset a lot of Springbank cultists here), that to a lot of people, Springbank tastes weird! Enthusiasts describe it as "funky" but translated into plain English, it means that the average casual whisky drinker will probably not like it. On first acquaintance, the Longrow will give you some unfamiliar off notes like used vegetable oil, sour vinegar, plastic notes, putrid dry citrus fruit and rusty drain pipe. In other words, it is certainly not a whisky for beginners. It needs a bit of background knowledge as to where all these flavours are coming from, and a lot of patience. My personal gripe with the distillery is that almost everything they do is matured in a marriage of Ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry. It's rare that they release something which has been exclusively matured in Ex-Bourbon.
I wondered what had happened on Patreon. Thanks for the explanation. As for Springbank, and all those long established craft industries who keep alive the traditional ways of making, we should treasure them, support them and acknowledge their status. They are a treasure, they are the stewards, the trustees, and the gatekeepers, standing up against the perversion of commercial greed and unwarranted profiteering. Hats off to Springbank.
Well said Michael. 🥃
Indeed, but no need to put crazy prices. Kilkomman also very craft way distillery but prices are reasonable and available mostly everywhere. Also grown own barley and process it and distill own whiskey store it. But prices more reasonable. Spring bank become sort of vanished distillery like Brora, that you need a luck to buy.
In Sweden we just had a web release of 400 bottles of Springbank 15, 400 bottles of Springbank 18 and 100 bottles of Longrow 21.
They all sold out.
In 0,5 seconds.
If it wasnt for Ralfy, i wouldnt have found my way to this amazing Dram oh so many years ago. Thanksf or every moment of shared info and passion, you are truly appreciated, Ralfy!
I had a couple of bottles in 2018/19 when it was £45 a go. Its a great dram no doubt...but when the retailers are flipping it at £120 !? I can get a Deanston 12, a Ledaig 10 and an Arran 10 for the same amount.
Well-said buddy.
Quite frankly all three whiskies you just mentioned i like better than the Springbank 10.
@@Soldano999 The Kilkerran 12 is my fave from that neck of the woods but even that is getting harder to get at a decent price.
@@Ronsat i haven't had a chance to try the kilkeran but i'm planning to buy one.
I bought two bottles of the Longrow however and it was fantastic
@@Soldano999 Just checked out the price of Hazelburn Ouch!
I bought a bottle of the Springbank 10 and quite frankly i wasn't impressed. I respect their commitment to tradition however, and i liked the Longrow whisky a lot.
I managed to obtain a bottle of hazelburn as well we'll see how that one goes.
We did a tour of Springbank last week. An almost spiritual experience, especially seeing the malting floor in person. “Authentic , historical and real” is a perfect description
Envious
I’m considering going there as well, especially after this video and your comment. Is it possible to buy a bottle there or are they sold out as well?
@@hboersma82 they definitely had bottles of the 10, and I saw one bottle of the 15. Couldn’t recommend it highly enough
I found a bottle of Springbank 10 at my local. In fact , there were 4 bottles on the shelf (3 now) I nearly fainted.😊 It's my birthday tomorrow, oh happy day. 🥃
Same here, I walked into my local shop here in the French Alps and he had 4 bottles on the shelf. Been drinking the 10 yo for years so imagine my delight.
I've got my Springbank tour booked in for the start of April followed swiftly by a tour of killkeren, I can't wait!
Its a fun tour 👍
It’s a fabulous tour!
Still have my Springbank 12 yo cask strength I bought in 2019 unopened. Saving it for the right time…
I will never forget what Steve Jobs said, and he was so spot on, that I have seen this occur over and over , over the years. He said something along the lines of - When a company's marketing departments call the shots, the innovation ceases to exist. That happened to Apple and every other company that once had a solid product, this happened to Bourbon, and this happened to Scotch. But...then we have the companys that speak softly and carry a big stick, like Springbank. Who still are ran by quality of the product, not the marketers new edgy pitch. Now, what box and color label can we hit the customers with next Macallan?
Hi Ralfy, what a passionate heartfelt rant that was. So genuine and well considered. Well said!
Fortunately there are the Kilkerrans, Filey Bay, Arran & Ardbegs still available.
Nick from York
1:56 officially a quality moment in any video... kitty participation !
1:56 cute kitty video bomb! Thought he would knock over the glass getting to his treats. Can't get hold of Springbank. When there are bottles available, they are stupidly priced. Plenty of other good whiskies out there that are more readily available and more affordable. Cheers!
Wow - Ralfy - you scored this Whisky the highest possible mark without reviewing it. Amazing. Thank you.
So many non-whisky nerd drinkers are seeking out Springbank. I was in BBR in St James's London the other day and a couple came in, enquiring about Springbank. I spoke to them and was very clear they knew very little about whisky so I told them about the Kilkerran Cask Strength that was still on the shelves being a good bottle and pointed to some others too. It seems that for many it is Springbank or bust - just because it has the recognition of being the connoisseur's favourite they naturally latch on. Whilst I like Springbank I cannot be bothered going to the lengths to pick it up when I can get similar enjoyment from a whole host of other natural presentation single malts that are readily available.
I was asked if it was any good by somebody hunting it, I had to be honest and reply I think it was but I can't remember it's been so long since I've seen a bottle🤷
@@Daytona955TM I understand your pain. At least in the UK, it is easiest to buy in a store rather than online.
Really good point. Springbank only worth it for people with acquired and developed palate
@@ghuk1234 I’d love to know where I can buy it in a UK store, I’ve not been able to find it anywhere 😢
@@richardb4358bought it from Berry Brothers store and seen it there from time to time too. Also here that some other bricks and mortar whisky specialists get it in too
Thank you for your enlightenment .Always a pleasure to see your analysis of the manufactures and markets and tastes of consumers and how they all intertwine
Ralfy, thank you for the honesty and passion. Wonderful discussion.
Braveheart Ralfy rallying the whisk(e)y faithful!!!
Springbank is the Top of the Whisky Chain👌👌👌💫💫💫👍👍👍💯
Well done dear Ralfy! I am happy that I took your advice years ago and got a back up bottle. I now only drink a dram on a special occasion and happy day… like today with you. Kindest regards, S.
Well said - I have learned so much from your videos. Thanks 👍
Hi Ralfy, Springbank is one of my favorites in my Whisky collection containing
SPRINGBANK 10Y
SPRINGBANK Burgundy 12Y
SPRINGBANK SHERRY WOOD 17Y
SPRINGBANK Local Barley 11Y
SPRINGBANK 15Y
SPRINKGBANK PORTWOOD 14Y
SPRINGBANK Bourbon Barrel 14Y
SPRINGBANK 18Y
Can recommend any of them - great drams - Thanks for your always great videos.
I just found a small liquor store and a small town whose previous owner had recently died and she said there was a bottle of the 10-year and the blended on the back shelf. I'm checking reviews. Not sure if I should grab it or not for $90 for the 10 year.
Bravo, bravo, well said! So many others brands are resting on their laurels, which are no longer present…..
Springbank love hate relationship. I love it but my credit card hates it.
Happy Malty Monday Dear Sir. ❤. So sad. That bottle used to be easy to come by but no more in my area. You are correct sir. I’ve been shopping more at SWA than retail as of late. Even shipping here to the USA I would rather pay for what I’m looking for than spend on lesser product. Thankfully Compass Box Glasgow Blend is still handy. That has become my standard go to.
Springbank,Edradour…these kinda distilleries should be cherished.
Cat visits are always welcome 😅 Treats for him and Sprinkbank treat for you 😉
Good Evening 😊 Awesome Video Mate👌🏽 Thanks for sharing 👏🏼👏🏼 Greetings and Cheers 🍻 From South Africa 🇿🇦
$185 here in Aus. Happy to bag one despite it being over the price that I said I would pay for it. Here we are. No guilt. For the next 12 months it won’t be available for less than $250.
Well said Ralfy. No more no less just in to the point. And remember folks its just whisky 🤠🥂🙋🏻♂️
Does this count :
Malevolent malt shakers , cold filtered mole chasers and barley botherers.
Either way, cheers to Ralfy and his fellow malteasers.
Forgot to add that there is a new distillery recently opened here in Porto. For anyone interested or planning a trip it’s called: The Little Faca Distillery.
got my springbank 10 palo cortado. it’s great!
Springbank is pretty much working museum. They are fascinating people making some good old fashioned Campbeltown malts
Bravo Ralfy. I really hope the distilleries get the message. There’s no substitute for excellent quality.
Surprised Springbank won, since no-one would have had a chance to have any for about 3 years now!
You’re the best in the game Ralfy. Totally agree with you my friend. Cheers.
Can’t get my hands on any Springbank here in NYC, unless any other city locals have suggestions?
Nothing is as good as it used to be, Springbank is a real rarity these days. Long May it continue.
Thank you Ralfy👍🥃
Hear, hear..!!!
Thank you for being a cat lover Ralfy. It shows the sensitive and intuitive sides of your character non cat lovers will not understand. 🥃Cheers.
Unfortunately cost of Springbank bottlings has become prohibitive here in Southern California. Oh well, there is always Glen Scotia to turn to.
So glad I have a nice stash of Springbanks bought when you could actually get them...wish I'd got more though lol...
Well said Ralfy. Springbank top of the class.
I am one of the lucky ones who in 2023 finally managed to buy a bottle of Springbank 10 in Hungary - at a normal price. I'm Kilkerran 12 fun, luckily it's available on our market, it's one of the best for me in terms of quality and taste. I like the peat, peat/sherry line the most. I would like to note here that I was given a Bowmore 15 as a gift, it was the worst whiskey of my life. Unbelievable that under a traditional Scottish name they are actually selling a watered down flavored JIMBEAM liqueur style liquid - disguised as a ROLEX watch. (although there is no cask strength factory Bowmore of these!) The biggest killer of the new world will be profit. Substitutes, flavor enhancers in food and drinks. Produce cheap - sell expensive. Good luck with the channel and building the whisky community!
So if one can't buy Springbank who are the distilleries that closely match Springbank in integrity and quality according to the Malt Mates?
I would say Kilkerran, Bruichladdich, Ardnamurchan, Arran and the Distell distilleries (Bunnahabhain, Tobermory, Deanston). Farm distilleries like Kilchoman, Daftmill and Lochlea are in the discussion also. That said none of them have all the pieces of the puzzle to truly knock Springbank off the perch.
How I wish I could buy a bottle, and if I could buy one, that I could afford it. Awesome video, Ralfy, every whisky drinker should watch this!
Springbank deserve their accolades. They do things the right way and dont get above themselves. Their quality is always good and work with their community. For me they treat their customers with respect, not contempt. Totally agree with your sentiments
128 pounds cost in Australia in AUD for the ten. Used to be half that...
Magnificent Review 1014. Very much a State of the Union address there Ralfy. What were your prescient prognostications not long ago are pretty much the present now. I did chuckle when you got to NFTs. I internally shouted ''HOUSE!'' ......
Hi from Switzerland. I''d been searching for Springbank 10 for the 3 last years, and finally 2 weeks ago, I could find 6 bottles of this incredible whisky at a reasonable price of 90 CHF (81 pounds). I bought a bottle of Springbank 15 at a price of 140 CHF (127 pounds) found it excellent but not worth the price compared to Springbank 10.
We can find easily the Longrow peated at 60 CHF (54 pounds) an excellent value, the hazelburn 10 at 71.40 CHF (65 CHF) , the kilkerran 12 at 59 CH (53 pounds) and the kilkerran 16 at 100 CHF (90pounds). They are all excellent whiskies, but for me the best is Springbank 10, everything's perfect from the nose to the very long finish. I've been searching for the Longrow 18, still waiting !
Long live to you and Springbank.
Erb-getranke have better prices on the 10 FYI
@@DJMJRyder thank you, but we can buy only 1 bt and we must pay 15 CHF for the delivery. So the price is the same and only one bt!
Sometimes "Like" just isn't enough. Thanks for telling it like it is, Ralfy.
Ha ha! He says, "I don't know if you've noticed!"
Love this dude.
This and Kilkerran are lovely drams. Might have a nip tonight. Cheers Ralfy! 🥃🥃
Just to add I was lucky enough to get my Springbank and Kilkerran from Masters of Malt. They put you on a waiting list and email you when they have new stock. You have to be quick though! Kilkerran 12 is a great option. 👍🏾
I’ve visited both Spring Bank and The MacAllan Megachurch. It’s quite impressive in it’s own monolithic way the latter - and dug in for the zombie apocalypse as well it seems. Nice people, a fine historical display. A posh Hogwarts library of blends. It’s just that the actual product is vastly overpriced and does not hold a candle to Spring Bank neither as a visitors experience nor, more importantly, as a distillery. You can very likely forget about easily getting anything from the core range, even as a visitor at Spring Bank though. Sells out within the first few moments of opening. There’ll be a queue, regularly I understand. But incidentally the eternity barrels they have in the shop can also deliver some quite unique experiences if you’’re willing to take the chance on them. Still have a Longrow in my stash though from back when … fortunately.
You are 100% on the money with what you say about the fragility in Scotch whisky in general and the industry in Scotland - regardless of all the new distilleries appearing which may give the impression that everything is hunky dory.
Some price increases are inevitable, but the level of taxation that the Government enforce is ludicrous. I imagine most Tory MP's love a glass of single malt as well, so that irony just goes on.
And when you also get big companies like Brown-Forman coming in from across the pond and tearing up a once brilliant and accessible distillery like GlenDronach with their bad-dream-like price hikes (and throw in BenRiach and Glenglassaugh), the damage is just accelerated. For now, GlenAllachie are keeping the boat afloat and going in the right direction for me, and I'm leaning more and more towards Kavalan and hoping Ian Chang at Komoro will shower us all with some incredible spirit very soon.
On a positive, I so want a bothy with a lovely old wood burner. My family would never see me again!
I’ve read that Springbank’s capacity is 750,000 liters a year, but they only produce about 15% of that annually as recently as 2021. How close to the truth is that and is the reason is that the Mitchell family doesn’t want to expand more rapidly than could be sustained by their experienced workforce of longtime employees?
Look at the prices and you may see, odd
@@robfut9954 Springbank maintains very reasonable MSRP, i.e. the Springbank 10 yo is £52. Flippers, unethical retailers, and the secondary market charges exorbitant prices, so Springbank is not creating false shortages to hike prices since their prices are reasonable. There’s another reason.
They floor malt 100% of their own barley. That is the limiting factor, not the size of stills & capacity of washbacks or other factors which dictate the technical 'maximum' capacity of a distillery. By insisting on exclusively floor malting on site they massively reduce the quantity of malt available to distill. Floor maltings take up huge amounts of space compared to drum maltings. Springbank would need to take over a significant amount of Campbeltown just to have enough space to floor malt enough barley to reach their 'maximum' capacity, let alone expand beyond it.
@@luviansbottleshop4893 sounds like a major bottleneck… so we shouldn’t expect this to reverse directions and become more available or less expensive anytime soon then.
@@robfut9954 Bluntly, no. They have talked about increasing malting capacity in the last couple of years, but you would be talking about an increase of maybe 5% percent annually of spirit that realistically wouldn't be sold for another decade. Springbank is going to stay small for a long while yet.
It’s good, but not worth paying above RRP for, and even though I know of 2 stockists that usually have affordable SB10 on their shelves, I’d reach for PC10 everytime.
But to compare like-for-like (unpeated, ex-bourbon cask), I think Ardna is close and they haven’t even reached age statements yet, while Arran 10 is half the price and as good on nose/arrival if not quite as complex and a shorter finish.
SB do a commendable job producing a very, very solid whisky but there’s really no need to pay silly money for it when there are so many great alternatives right now.
I've never seen Springbank in any of the shops in my area. Given the scarcity, I'm sure I wouldn't be able to afford it anyway.
The price at retail isn't affected by the scarcity with Springbank, their prices have increased (along with input costs) but they're still affordable. Keep at it!
I know bottles can vary, I bought a bottle of both the 10yo and 18yo and I wasn’t thrilled with either one. 😮
Nailed it on the head with this one ralfy
Campbeltown Loch is a great alternative!
Honestly I’m quite tired of hearing about Springbank simply because it STILL is a phantom in the US where I am. And frankly based on the prices I hear whispers about, I wouldn’t buy it for what some have paid. I’ll say it again, it reminds me of how Pappy went from being a bourbon I bought regularly to one I resent. And I have trouble understanding how there is still banter going on unless it’s a LOT easier to get in the UK then where I am. Because I have not seen it freely available on the shelf since 2019.
Availability: obviously easier in Europe - it’s made in Scotland - but can still be difficult.
Actually readily available (I know of two shops that usually have SB10 on the shelves), I just don’t like it as much as some other Scotches. The Ardna Sherry cask has more peat and more flavour for me, ditto PC 10.
@@elduderino3120 wow, so it actually exists on shelves somewhere! I do agree though, it’s good but honestly I do not understand the obsession some have. I’ve only had the 10, but for the difficulty and price I have no problem simply moving on. Makes me wonder why anyone where I am would enter a raffle
Adding to the hype, the fomo and thus building the price and scarcity. By jeez there are going to be a bucketload of disappointed buyers out there when they finally taste it and discover it’s just a good whisky, nothing more nothing less.
And thanks Ralfy after the SB sermon I enjoyed the quick summary of the UK’s economic woes. Stick to the whisky, you’re turning into a human form of Macallan.
It is 100% true, of course, can't be argued... however, sadly, it'll probably soon lead to the same situation that's developed with certain "allocated" american whiskeys (artificially maintained by distilleries, I'm sure). It all started when a certain celebrity said on teevee that pappy van winkle is the best bourbon in the world and people who knew nothing of it started snapping it up. Then followed Elmer T. Lee, Blanton's, Stagg, then even the budget options like Weller, Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, EH Taylor, certainly the BTAC. Someone would call another bottling "a poor man's papy", and the frenzy renewed. And now most of these are unobtainium or available at absolutely ludicrous prices, despite stores regularly getting small shipments, only to be immediately snapped up by scalpers. All good or great whiskeys, no doubt, but out of reach for regular folks. If a basic Springbank bottling ends up costing $500 or more, it won't matter to me whether or not it's the best. And I guarantee, if that happens, it'll drag the other Campbeltown distilleries up as well. Hopefully there'll be other distilleries waiting for their turn to become "the whisky drinker's distillery".
Springbank Popularity evidence by the large number of comments. ❤
Brilliantly said.....
Fanny & Bobby are back!
Going to do their tour in May, let’s see what’s up.
Love the cat!
came for the review, stayed for the kitty
Roughly 6 or 7 years ago. I bought a bottle of the 10yr old in Australia for $110.00. From the same shop now it is going for $250.00 AUD. The 15yr old was $150.00 AUD, Now it is $399.00. It is a great whisky but in my opinion it is no better or worse in quality than Deanston 12, Ardbeg 5, 10, Arran 10, Glencadam 10 and many others. Maybe a controversial viewpoint but the 10yr Springbank is a bit overhyped for me. and not worth $250.00 AUD a bottle. No current commercial 10yr old whisky is worth that kind of money. Adam from Sydney.😀
Great information, and good vibes
How long have you been drinking whiskey for.
Cheers.
I was lucky enough to get a bottle of Campbeltown Loch. At 275 dollars for that 10 year you have there it's probably as close as I'll get
Got one today for £55 plus £5 postage, you have to know where to look !
Correction it was £52.50 plus £5 postage.
Dogs have owners, cats have "staff" I think the saying goes..... Great video Ralfy , thanks.
No matter how tight things get, Springbank will survive. Quite frankly, they can put their prices up, and people will pay it. It's quality, .... & good for them. Forfeited income now is an investment in their future. A very sound business model.
I've tried it a few times. I can't get past the band-aid note. What am I missing?
Well said Ralfy! 🥃
Hi Ralfy and thanks for your videos !
Springbank is getting crazy in terms of prices and availability, here in France the standard 10 year old is approaching 100 Euros ! The 12 year old cask strength approaches 200 Euros and remains available for only a few minutes.
Reputation begins to outweigh actual quality ! Would Springbank become the new Macallan ?
Hell yea Ralfy
Kitty is a wee cute monster 🐈
It is widely reported that the USA TTB is about to announce an approved American Single Malt Whiskey category. Gone is the whiskey requirement for new American oak casks. There are already over 200 distilleries making single malt whiskey in the USA. Get ready for some serious competition in the single malt space.
I suspect that there will be huge variety in American Single Malt.
The Pacific Northwest will probably be closest to Scotland and be aged longer but that is distilled in warmer climes will mature faster. I expect a big variety of taste and smell.
I thought the new oak was only a requirement for "straight whiskey" and bourbon (which may or may not be straight). There are products called "whisk(e)y" aged in reused cooperage. In fact, corn whiskey it specifically either not aged at all, or aged in uncharred or non-new barrels. But bourbon-mash, rye and malt can all be aged in reused barrels, it just wouldn't be called "straight" and certainly not "bourbon". I'm just going from memory. If you have a link, it would be much appreciated.
Along with those requirements, "gone" too will be all those ex-bourbon casks so many Scotches rely on - why would they ship them across the Atlantic if there's an armada of domestic customers? The wine & sherry profile will become more popular than ever I guess.
Ralfy, love him or not (and I love him) talks a hell of a lot of sense. I would like to add him to my list of individuals to be put forward for cryogenic freezing. He along with a handful of others deserve to be cherished forever. Failing that....let's try get him an MBE or something. 😉
Do Daftmill and Lochlea not do the same?
I'm going to find some Springy.
Love the pussy cat visit. Love Springbank 10 too. Cheers Ralfy
I get my Springbank 10 whenever I want, just at my local retailer, for €59,-
I cannot believe how hard it is for some people in the comments. Never had any trouble at all.
Where is malt mark Ralfy ?
Well said Ralfy!
I'd actually be fine with no restrictions on number of awards to be won in this catagory. If the question is "What distillery do you as a consumer want OTHER distilleries to emulate in their production of whisky?" then I say let THAT distillery garner the award until another distillery wrenches it away with even better practices.
#1! Best Distillary
Wow now the price will exploding...
What’s the Bloody score?
Malt mention: Malty Meaningless Middlemen.
Love the cat cameo !!!
In cats, we trust !!!
2023 Hazelburn 10yo is arguably even better than the latest SB10.
Ssshhhhh
@@mrnico hahahaha
01:55 guest appearence
The truth and nothing more.
Did I miss the actual whisky review?
But great plea nevertheless!
I love Springbank and what they are and represent. However, I get seriously pissed off that folk in certain parts of the States and Canada can pick up bottles (bottles) off the shelf in the local shop. I know how the game is played in the U.K but buying off the shelf is pretty rare. Even if you can the retailers have whacked the price up. You have to be pals with the allocated retailer or extremely lucky. Springbank can do better.
How can they do better? They can’t make more than they already do, and they’re not going to start instructing shops how to sell their whisky…
@@mrnico They can stop selling it by bulk to certain retailers. Local Barley is on the shelves in parts of Canada but it's a lottery pick on the U.K.
@@welshtoro3256 they work by reputation and have relationships with retailers/buyers that have lasted years
It's difficult to rate a distillery so highly when their product is either not available at all at online whisky stores or is being sold for £500 and up for even their cheapest core range. The only way to obtain Springbank at original retail cost is to travel to the distillery.
It maybe in terms of authenticity of production, a wonderful distillery to visit, but if its product is pretty much unobtainable, unless you are willing to spend thousands of pounds, then it is simply irrelevant, just as you wouldn't name a car manufacture which produces 3 cars a year, car manufacturer of the year.
In addition to this, I feel that it's important to point out that frankly (and I know I'm going to upset a lot of Springbank cultists here), that to a lot of people, Springbank tastes weird!
Enthusiasts describe it as "funky" but translated into plain English, it means that the average casual whisky drinker will probably not like it. On first acquaintance, the Longrow will give you some unfamiliar off notes like used vegetable oil, sour vinegar, plastic notes, putrid dry citrus fruit and rusty drain pipe. In other words, it is certainly not a whisky for beginners. It needs a bit of background knowledge as to where all these flavours are coming from, and a lot of patience.
My personal gripe with the distillery is that almost everything they do is matured in a marriage of Ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry. It's rare that they release something which has been exclusively matured in Ex-Bourbon.