The Darkness Springbank 21 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish is a masterpiece of time, craft, and place, a whisky that bridges the rugged soul of Campbeltown with the seductive allure of Oloroso sherry. Springbank’s cult reputation is built on tradition, independence, and depth of flavor, and this 21-year-old expression takes that heritage to new heights under the Darkness touch. The first sip feels like stepping into history: oak and salt in the air, leather-bound books, and a flicker of smoke curling through candlelight. It’s not just a dram, it’s an experience.
Darkness Springbank 21 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish 50cl
Brand: Darkness | Category: Single Malt Scotch Whisky | ABV: 49.2% | Origin: Campbeltown, Scotland | Vol: 500ml
Tasting Profile:
Nose:
A luxurious weave of maritime salt, polished mahogany, and dark fruit compote. Notes of raisins, tobacco leaf, and antique leather mingle with subtle peat smoke and sea-worn oak, elegance layered upon complexity.
Palate:
Silky, mature, and commanding. Waves of sherried sweetness, figs, dates, and treacle, roll over salted caramel and old oak. Mid-palate, Springbank’s trademark oily texture reveals earthy malt, roasted nuts, and whispers of coastal smoke. Every sip feels alive with depth and precision.
Finish:
Long, warm, and contemplative. Lingering flavors of cocoa, salted toffee, and spiced fruitcake fade slowly, leaving a soft, smoky sweetness that glows long after the glass is empty.
Production Details:
Distilled and matured at the legendary Springbank Distillery, one of Scotland’s last fully independent and self-sufficient producers, this whisky spent over two decades in traditional oak before receiving an Oloroso sherry octave finish. The small casks from Darkness amplify richness and color, while preserving the distillery’s iconic balance of malt, smoke, and brine. Bottled at 49.2%, with no chill filtration or added color, it’s presented in its purest, most authentic form.
Perfect For:
A special moment that deserves reverence. This is a whisky for connoisseurs, to be enjoyed slowly, with full attention. Ideal for quiet evenings, paired with conversation and reflection, it’s the definition of luxury in liquid form.
Expert Notes:
Critics and collectors have lauded this release as one of the most remarkable Darkness bottlings to date. The Oloroso cask finish enhances Springbank’s natural complexity without overpowering it, adding richness while retaining the distillery’s iconic maritime, oily character. Described as “a harmony of age and intensity,” it’s a dram that commands respect with every sip.
Customer Reviews:
“An emotional whisky, rich, smoky, and utterly profound.”
“Springbank perfection with a layer of sherried decadence. Worth every drop.”
“This is the kind of bottle you remember long after it’s gone, hauntingly good.”
Interesting Fact:
Springbank is one of the only distilleries in Scotland to perform every step of production in-house, from malting to bottling and still uses traditional floor malting and partial triple distillation. This old-world craftsmanship is what gives Springbank whiskies their distinctive weight and soul.
Serving Suggestions:
Best enjoyed neat in a wide tulip glass. Let it breathe for a few minutes, oxygen coaxes out waves of fruit, spice, and smoke. A few drops of water can reveal hidden layers of citrus and honey beneath the sherry richness. Pair with roasted nuts, dark chocolate, or a fine cigar for a truly decadent experience.
Distillery Background:
Founded in 1828, Springbank Distillery remains the beating heart of Campbeltown whisky, fiercely independent, family-owned, and revered by enthusiasts worldwide. Known for its hands-on approach and complex, oily spirit, Springbank produces some of the most collectible single malts in existence. In the hands of Darkness, this 21-year-old gains an extra dimension, a symphony of salt, smoke, and sherry that honors both the distillery’s heritage and the cask’s artistry.
