Pete, you nailed the Victoriana with the high Char rather than just smoke or pear. Love the stuff. Haven't tasted that batch or year of the SB 12 year CS.
@whiskeyisajourney Not available here so I've bought mine through Fine Drams and about 75 to 85 with 7 to 10 day delivery to SC. I bundle 3 or 4 bottles at a time to reduce shipping costs.
Peter, I have had several experiences of sampling the core range (10, 12CS, 15, 18) Springbank double blind and they've never been rated highly within the tasting group. You have to respect and appreciate the old school approach of the distillery; their reputation is well founded. That said, I have found that other distillerys' core releases have delivered more for me. I did have the opportunity to sample a Spring bank cage bottle last year and it blew me away.
It's an interesting situation: Springbank gets almost universal adulation among the Scotch whisky community, I really do want to experience this 'clouds parting-angels singing' situation, but so far my history with SB, both in blinds and known pours have hovered around 'just okay'. I have to honestly ask myself: Am I just missing something or do I just lack sufficient experience?
Springbank's core bottlings with cask types are: - 10yo: usually mostly bourbon, some sherry - 12yo: usually half bourbon, half sherry - 15yo: usually exclusively sherry - 18yo: tends to have more bourbon - 21yo: varies significantly - 25yo: usually a mix of bourbon/sherry with some port - 30yo: refill bourbon and refill sherry Exact makeup can vary by year/batch and you have to hunt around online. Your 12yo CS is 60% sherry 40% bourbon.
I’ve only had a pour of the SB but it blew me away. A really amped up version of the 10. I loved it, been hunting it ever since but really don’t want to pay the $300 AUD that it goes for. I guess batch variation is a big thing here. This is really helpful because the Glen scotia is readily available for 170.
I was impressed with the Glen Scotia. $300 sounds a little ridiculous for the SB, but if you were really that impressed with it then that would be a tough call.
Wow another Tasmanian looking for SB haha. I’m further through my problem now though :( Have bought the batch 24 and batch 20 for around $340 each. Picked up an SB 18 as well. I definitely have a problem 😛
Nice battle! I love me some Springbank! Never had the GSV but those notes are definitely not up my alley. I agree on your assesment on PHX having Springbank. I picked up a couple when I was there earlier this year. Fortunately, CT had a drop a couple months ago. I'm coming back out to PHX next month so I'm sure I'll be out hunting again!
Love them both. I have the latest batch of the Springbank and I think that would be the winner for me. Love the oiliness, light peat and meatiness. It goes really well with some smoked salmon.
Nice battle. Two great drams in their own way. Wich one is the best...???...well, I've never had them side by side, so I'll say that the best one is the one in the glass at the moment.....if that makes any sence:)
A while back I was looking to add a Campbeltown expression to my collection. I tried Springbank 12 CS and the 15. Didn't like either. Later, I watched one of your reviews on the Victoriana and happen to find a bottle for €60 (discounted price) and decided to give it a try. A decision I don't regret, I like it much better than the Springbanks. So thanks Peter for the tip!
I think it's a really good bottle. I'd be drinking it more if it was distributed to AZ. So I have to pace myself. I'm happy the review helped you make an informed decision. Cheers!
Although I have never had SB 12 CS, I do have a Victoriana opened and on the go. I agree with crisp, peppery ginger note and mild smoke with some citrus malty notes. I love the pour of Victoriana almost every time. Cheers!
I have a bottle of Glen Scotia Victoriana. I like it very much if I am in the mood for a cask strength whisky. Here (in the Netherlands) it is about €70. Sometimes you can get it for €60. I am gonna compare it to Glen Scotia 15 soon. I am not sure whether I will replace it as I almost never replace a bottle (but it is a serious candidate to replace). Cheers!
I've a special place in my heart for Springbank. And that umami cheese funk! I also think Springbank suffers from batch variation. It's kind of like region is not always a factor.
Thanks for the review. In Japan, Springbank 12 CS costs in between $350-$400 but Victoriana costs around $100. I don't know why... although I love Springbank I will always choose Victoriana over Springbank 12 CS in that price difference.
Nice battle. In my market there is no way that I could my hands on the SB 12 CS. For the Victoriana I would have to drive 100 miles because they don’t ship. What do you guys think? Is the GS V worth the drive?
I found an online retailer in the arean. The price for the bottel ist 72 Euros. I was pending between the Victoriana and the 15 but in the end decided to buy the Victoriana. It arived today so me and my gf had a wee dram. I would have to pour a few more glasses in the weeks to come, but for now I am happy with the neck pour. Definetly one of the better high proof scotches I had.
An interesting thing about springbank 12 cask strength changes year to year, but Victoriana is blended to a specific flavor target. Both enjoyable, but the Victoriana is a consistently better value at its price. Great blind!
The Victoriana is a really good pour and I'd be drinking it more if it was available in my area. This SB has not done well in blinds. Maybe other releases would be better. 🤔
Springbank is slowly going off my radar due to me not being able to get it. I tried getting hold of the cs 12 and longrow 18 but got outbid at the last moment. In this months auctions Theres simply too many good whiskies out there to worry about trying to get it now... I have recently acquired the glen scotia 15 and victoriana, so I'm looking forward to trying this out
Seattle, Washington. Total Wine. Complete rip off on many of their offers. SB, or anything else from Campbeltown. IB’s also tend to be wanked. Some Bourbons as well, eg Larceny B524… over $100.00 plus the tax, while I picked one at Costco for $69.00 including the Robbers Tax. Save your $$$ and start buying from on-liners, depending on your locations, and your local market variations of course.
Two for the SEP drawing. Thanks.
You got it Shaun! In for 2. Good luck!
Springbank is the most respected and applauded single malt distillery in the world and impossible to find almost everywhere. You are lucky.
I don't know why we always have it, but I'm happy we do.
If at first you're not lucky....
Hopefully your name will come up soon. Best of luck!
Thanks!
Thanks for the support. I've got you in for 1 entry for September. Good luck.
Great review as always. Don’t have the Springbank, so may need to visit Arizona and hunt for that and some Delbac.
Got you in for 2 more. Springbank and Delbac are plentiful in AZ for sure.
Pete, you nailed the Victoriana with the high Char rather than just smoke or pear. Love the stuff. Haven't tasted that batch or year of the SB 12 year CS.
The Victoriana is a fantastic tasting whisky. I'd like to drink it more but it's not available in my area so I've got to pace myself. Cheers!
@whiskeyisajourney Not available here so I've bought mine through Fine Drams and about 75 to 85 with 7 to 10 day delivery to SC. I bundle 3 or 4 bottles at a time to reduce shipping costs.
Peter, I have had several experiences of sampling the core range (10, 12CS, 15, 18) Springbank double blind and they've never been rated highly within the tasting group. You have to respect and appreciate the old school approach of the distillery; their reputation is well founded. That said, I have found that other distillerys' core releases have delivered more for me. I did have the opportunity to sample a Spring bank cage bottle last year and it blew me away.
I like SB as well, but I don't think it has done well for me in blind tastings either. Cheers! Best of luck with the September giveaway.
It's an interesting situation: Springbank gets almost universal adulation among the Scotch whisky community, I really do want to experience this 'clouds parting-angels singing' situation, but so far my history with SB, both in blinds and known pours have hovered around 'just okay'. I have to honestly ask myself: Am I just missing something or do I just lack sufficient experience?
Quite a pairing. No spoilers for the reveal, but very informative to see them compared. Cheers!
I don't think I was surprised by the result. The runner up typically does not do well in blinds for me.
Springbank's core bottlings with cask types are:
- 10yo: usually mostly bourbon, some sherry
- 12yo: usually half bourbon, half sherry
- 15yo: usually exclusively sherry
- 18yo: tends to have more bourbon
- 21yo: varies significantly
- 25yo: usually a mix of bourbon/sherry with some port
- 30yo: refill bourbon and refill sherry
Exact makeup can vary by year/batch and you have to hunt around online. Your 12yo CS is 60% sherry 40% bourbon.
Wow! Thanks for the breakdown. I really appreciate it.
I’ve only had a pour of the SB but it blew me away. A really amped up version of the 10. I loved it, been hunting it ever since but really don’t want to pay the $300 AUD that it goes for. I guess batch variation is a big thing here. This is really helpful because the Glen scotia is readily available for 170.
I was impressed with the Glen Scotia. $300 sounds a little ridiculous for the SB, but if you were really that impressed with it then that would be a tough call.
Wow another Tasmanian looking for SB haha. I’m further through my problem now though :( Have bought the batch 24 and batch 20 for around $340 each. Picked up an SB 18 as well. I definitely have a problem 😛
Oh baby now this is a battle!!
I was really happy with it, but the SB typically doesn't do well in blinds.
Nice battle! I love me some Springbank! Never had the GSV but those notes are definitely not up my alley. I agree on your assesment on PHX having Springbank. I picked up a couple when I was there earlier this year. Fortunately, CT had a drop a couple months ago. I'm coming back out to PHX next month so I'm sure I'll be out hunting again!
Maybe you will win another giveaway by the next time you are here. We can meet up and have a drink and do some hunting together.
@whiskeyisajourney sounds great! I'll be there Oct 23-29!
Love them both. I have the latest batch of the Springbank and I think that would be the winner for me. Love the oiliness, light peat and meatiness. It goes really well with some smoked salmon.
Oh man...the smoked salmon sounds good. That will probably go good with any peated whisky. Cheers!
You can admit it's a hangout. 😅
Okay...it's a hang out. 😁
@@whiskeyisajourney 😂👌🏻
Nice battle. Two great drams in their own way. Wich one is the best...???...well, I've never had them side by side, so I'll say that the best one is the one in the glass at the moment.....if that makes any sence:)
That makes sense to me and it's a very true statement. Cheers!
Have yet to acquire anything Springbank, but I quite enjoy the Victoriana. Then again, I like most things CS.
I think the CS and the finish in the char barrel really set this one off! I really enjoyed it. Cheers!
A while back I was looking to add a Campbeltown expression to my collection. I tried Springbank 12 CS and the 15. Didn't like either. Later, I watched one of your reviews on the Victoriana and happen to find a bottle for €60 (discounted price) and decided to give it a try. A decision I don't regret, I like it much better than the Springbanks. So thanks Peter for the tip!
I think it's a really good bottle. I'd be drinking it more if it was distributed to AZ. So I have to pace myself. I'm happy the review helped you make an informed decision. Cheers!
Although I have never had SB 12 CS, I do have a Victoriana opened and on the go. I agree with crisp, peppery ginger note and mild smoke with some citrus malty notes. I love the pour of Victoriana almost every time. Cheers!
I can see myself reaching for this a lot, but since I can't replace the bottle very easy I don't drink it as much as I want to. Cheers!
I have a bottle of Glen Scotia Victoriana. I like it very much if I am in the mood for a cask strength whisky. Here (in the Netherlands) it is about €70. Sometimes you can get it for €60. I am gonna compare it to Glen Scotia 15 soon. I am not sure whether I will replace it as I almost never replace a bottle (but it is a serious candidate to replace). Cheers!
If it was easier to get here I think I would be going through it much faster and it would be nice to see the 15...we just don't see it in Arizona.
I've a special place in my heart for Springbank. And that umami cheese funk!
I also think Springbank suffers from batch variation. It's kind of like region is not always a factor.
I like Springbank as well, but it definitely does not do well in blinds. Cheers!
Thanks for the review. In Japan, Springbank 12 CS costs in between $350-$400 but Victoriana costs around $100. I don't know why... although I love Springbank I will always choose Victoriana over Springbank 12 CS in that price difference.
I would do the same. Even though Springbank is good, it's not worth that price. Cheers.
I have had them both and for me it will always be SB, but never blinded them as the SB 12 is somewhat difficult to come by these days
I don't think you are not alone in the limited availability category. I am not sure why it is so available in AZ and not other places.
Nice battle.
In my market there is no way that I could my hands on the SB 12 CS. For the Victoriana I would have to drive 100 miles because they don’t ship.
What do you guys think? Is the GS V worth the drive?
I would not go out of your way to get it, but if you are in area and the price is right then I say go for it.
I found an online retailer in the arean. The price for the bottel ist 72 Euros. I was pending between the Victoriana and the 15 but in the end decided to buy the Victoriana.
It arived today so me and my gf had a wee dram. I would have to pour a few more glasses in the weeks to come, but for now I am happy with the neck pour. Definetly one of the better high proof scotches I had.
An interesting thing about springbank 12 cask strength changes year to year, but Victoriana is blended to a specific flavor target. Both enjoyable, but the Victoriana is a consistently better value at its price. Great blind!
The Victoriana is a really good pour and I'd be drinking it more if it was available in my area. This SB has not done well in blinds. Maybe other releases would be better. 🤔
Springbank is slowly going off my radar due to me not being able to get it.
I tried getting hold of the cs 12 and longrow 18 but got outbid at the last moment. In this months auctions
Theres simply too many good whiskies out there to worry about trying to get it now...
I have recently acquired the glen scotia 15 and victoriana, so I'm looking forward to trying this out
I feel the same way with all the Buffalo Trace products. Too many good bottles out there to worry about those bottles you can't get. Cheers!
Looks like the 2023 Springbank 12 year CS is 60% bourbon and 40% sherry: cask type 60% Bourbon, 40% SherryCask Batch # 24 ABV Strength = 54.1 % Vol.
Thanks for the information. I appreciate it. Cheers!
My vote definitely goes to the Victoriana. To me, Springbank tasted like the residual water that seeps out the bottom of a potted plant.
I have to say Springbank does not do well in blinds for me and overall I think I like other expressions better at a lower cost.
That does not sound pleasant!!!! 🤮
Seattle, Washington. Total Wine. Complete rip off on many of their offers. SB, or anything else from Campbeltown.
IB’s also tend to be wanked. Some Bourbons as well, eg Larceny B524… over $100.00 plus the tax, while I picked one at Costco for $69.00 including the Robbers Tax. Save your $$$ and start buying from on-liners, depending on your locations, and your local market variations of course.
Good advice. Cheers!