We've got a couple of releases from Cadenheads first Authentic Collection of 2025.
Cadenhead’s Springbank 13yo Authentic Collection January 2025
Region: Campbeltown
ABV: 57.4%
Price: £90.00
Distilled in 2022 and matured in a bourbon barrel, this whisky was bottled in January 2025. A total of 186 bottles were released.
Nose
It’s a little restrained on the nose, but initial notes include, marshmallows, papaya, wet pebbles, orange peel, and a hint of ash. With time in the glass, additional aromas of salted caramel and toffee emerge along with something that reminds us of cheap aftershave. The Springbank funk is fairly restrained, but We’re finding it easy to nose at this ABV.
Palate
On the palate, initial notes of, lemon juice, damp earth and black pepper come through. These are followed by burnt toast, warehouse funk and coffee on a good-length finish. Additional flavours of orange peel, and honey emerge with air. The mouthfeel is good, a touch oily. The classic Springbank character is more noticeable on the palate.
Nose (with water)
With water, the nose has opened up, revealing the classic much more Springbank funk alongside fresh strawberries, lemon, and Madeira cake. Most of the pre-dilution notes are still present. Sitting with the diluted dram it’s clear that water was definitely needed.
Palate (with water)
The reduced palate hasn’t changed significantly, but the flavours are more pronounced now. The mouthfeel remains good, and the finish is still of a decent length. Much like the nose, the palate definitely benefited from the addition of water.
Conclusion
This was an exciting release for us. While we love Springbank in sherry, we find that bourbon maturation really allows the spirit to shine. In this case, it’s a good example of bourbon-matured Springbank—at least after the addition of water. That said, we could nitpick a few things, such as the finish, which could be a touch longer, and the fact that it’s still a bit simple even with water. It’s good, but we’ve definitely had better.
Score: 7/10
Value
This feels slightly overpriced, but given that it will sell out instantly, it’s hard to fault Cadenheads for the pricing.
Cadenhead’s Burnside 14yo Authentic Collection January 2025
Region: Speyside
ABV: 65.0%
Price: £60.00
Distilled in 2010 and matured in a Oloroso cask, this whisky was bottled in January 2025. A total of 276 bottles were released.
Nose
The nose is dominated by sherry notes—prune juice, raisins, and sultanas. There’s a hint of black pepper, but surprisingly little to indicate the ridiculously high ABV. On revisiting, additional notes of flat cola, cinnamon, fudge, and toffee cinders emerge. There’s more sherry here than the whiskies colour would suggest.
Palate
Once again, it’s all about the sherry—raisins, prunes, and plums dominate. With some air, notes of honey, Christmas cake, and cola begin to emerge. It’s surprisingly smooth for its ABV. The mouthfeel is decent, and the finish is of a good length, with a pleasant amount of lingering sweetness. Again, the colour doesn’t quite give away at just how sherried this dram really is.
Nose (with water)
With water, the nose remains largely unchanged, but there are now hints of cloves, ginger beer, and aniseed. The cola note has also become more pronounced.
Palate (with water)
The reduced palate remains quite similar to the unreduced version but has gained a bit more spice and a slight dryness. The mouthfeel remains unchanged, as does the finish, though there’s now an added hint of cinnamon spice on the finish.
Conclusion
This might disappoint fans of the Balvenie spirit, as the cask influence has completely overshadowed any distinct spirit character, leaving behind a well-executed but somewhat simple sherry bomb. Personally, we wouldn’t recommend adding water, as the few additional notes on the nose don’t justify the extra spice and slight dryness it introduces to the palate. Another solid entry into the latest Cadenhead Authentic Collection.
Score: 7/10
Value
A 14-year-old, full sherry maturation, cask-strength release for £60 is an undeniable bargain.
- 10 - Perfection. One in a million
- 9 - Outstanding. Exceptional whisky.
- 8 - Great. Would seek this out.
- 7 - Good. Quality whisky.
- 6 - Above average. Happy to have a dram.
- 5 - Average. Drinkable whisky.
- 4 - Below average. Passable.
- 3 - Flawed. Noticeable negatives.
- 2 - Defective. Significant faults.
- 1 - Offensive. Pour it out.
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