Springbank Edinburgh International Festival 2023
70cl / 46%
£109.00
- Malt type: Blended
- Region: Scotland
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An exclusive, limited-edition blended Scotch crafted by Springbank to commemorate the 2023 Edinburgh International Festival.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | J&A Mitchell & Co. (Springbank) / Distillery Bottling / Scotland, Campbeltown |
| Category | Blended Scotch Whisky (Limited Festival Release) |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | No Age Statement (NAS) / Bottled 2023 |
| ABV & Size(s) | 46% ABV / 70cl |
| Cask / Treatment | Blend of various single malt and grain whiskies (Bourbon and Sherry inferred) |
| Natural Colour | Not stated by the producer. |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Not stated by the producer. |
| Cask Strength | No (Bottled at 46% ABV) |
| Bottle count / Outturn | Limited Edition (Number not stated) |
| Intended channel | Exclusive Festival Sale (Edinburgh International Festival 2023) |
| Packaging | Standard Springbank bottle shape, specific "Edinburgh International Festival 2023" label. |
| Notes on discrepancies | Although produced by Springbank, this is a blend, offering a more affordable price point and different profile than their core Single Malts. |
Historical Context
The Edinburgh International Festival (EIF) release is an annual tradition for J&A Mitchell & Co., the owners of Springbank and Cadenhead's. These releases are specifically commissioned to commemorate the EIF and are sold exclusively during the festival period in Edinburgh. This annual scarcity creates high demand among collectors and Springbank enthusiasts who value the unique provenance and limited availability.
The 2023 release adheres to this tradition, ensuring the bottle is an immediate collector's item. Although it is classified as a Blended Scotch Whisky, its high bottling strength (46% ABV) and the Springbank name guarantee a liquid profile that is robust and of high quality, setting it apart from standard commercial blends. This blend is often noted for being a well-crafted, affordable sherried sipper, serving as a unique showcase of the blending components available within the Springbank/Cadenhead's inventory.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
The spirit is a blend of various single malt and grain whiskies, bottled at a high strength of 46% ABV. This specific strength provides excellent texture and flavour retention, ensuring a full-bodied tasting experience, which is expected from a Springbank-affiliated product.
Documented variants
The EIF release is a fixed annual blend. There are no known variants of the 2023 expression.
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 46% | 70cl | Festival Exclusive | EIF 2023 designation | High (Limited Annual Release) |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
Authentication requires clear verification of the "Edinburgh International Festival 2023" designation on the label. The bottle is consistently presented in the standard clear glass Springbank bottle shape. The fill level should be perfect (Into Neck).
Regulatory/terminology notes
The 46% ABV bottling strength is a premium standard, often used to avoid chill filtration. Although a blend, the high ABV and Campbeltown source imply a superior malt content and robust flavour complexity.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The liquid profile is often described as a great, affordable sherried sipper, complex enough to enjoy.
Nose: Features dark chocolate (75%), dried plums, a hint of charred broccoli (in a good way), Mirabelle tart, and dark coffee. With water, notes of Mirabelle and damsons emerge, with a sudden burst of fresh orange juice.
Palate: Offers notes of coffee, brown sugar, and dark chocolate. It is noted for lacking heavy structure, suggesting it is well-suited for drinking. Water transforms the dark chocolate into milk chocolate.
Finish: Becomes spicier with water, exhibiting notes of nutmeg.
With water: Water is beneficial, transforming the profile from dark chocolate to milk chocolate and enhancing the subtle fruitiness.
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
J&A Mitchell & Co. (Springbank) is the definitive traditionalist of Campbeltown, famed for its commitment to non-chill filtration and high-quality, artisanal production. This blend is a showcase of the company's superior blending components.
Sourcing
Target formats/eras: The 2023 EIF release, 70cl, 46% ABV.
Red flags to avoid: Listings without the explicit EIF 2023 label confirmation.
Condition thresholds: Pristine label and perfect fill level are expected.
Margin/velocity expectations: Moderate to high liquidity; competitive margins achieved through auction sourcing.
