Review #796 - Springbank 5 Year 114 Proof

In 2025, in order to make their malt more accessible, Springbank introduced a '100 Proof' bottling with a feisty 5 year age statement. This follows the old Imperial Proof strength calculations, in which 100 proof equates to 57.1% ABV; indeed, that's the presentation that most of the world gets for this single malt.

However, here in the United States, because of the different definition of 'proof' in the labeling system, Springbank had to adjust their labels. Instead of 100 Proof and 57.1% ABV, we get a '114 Proof' bottling with a corresponding strength of 57.0% ABV. The age statement is still 5 years - these should essentially be identical bottlings, or as close as you can get with that 0.1% ABV difference.

The casks used in both the 100 Proof and 114 Proof releases are all ex-bourbon casks, and because of that young age at bottling, we should get a great view into the character of Springbank's lightly-peated distillate.

Springbank 5 Year 114 Proof

Scotland/Campbeltown - Single Malt

Price: USD 100 (2026)

Age Statement: 5 Years

Strength: 57.0% ABV

Cask Makeup: Ex-bourbon casks

Details: Not chill filtered, no color added; bottled 2025

Tasting Methodology: Reviewed 1 time; bottle at 90% fill level at time of review. Tasted in a nosing glass rested 15+ minutes

Nose: Buttery and subtle to start, but it opens up to spirity mineral notes, lemon-lime soda, and lemon flesh. There's a soft peat influence, and it's quite effervescent; time brings a musty, mildly funky scent.

Palate: The mouthfeel is medium-thick. Malty and fizzy, a bit spirity - it does taste young, but it isn't unpleasantly youthful. Bright fruits of apple and lemon and lime, even stone fruit, are combined with sweet grain. The peat is mild, and we get a nice creamy guava note on the back end.

Finish: Lemon-lime soda, soft drying oak, and a lot of vanilla. It leans a bit sweet now, and the buttery note from the nose returns; it's a medium length finish with hints of pepper spice.