Youth, Smoke & Oak: Springbank 5yr Old, Lagavulin Sweet Peat 11 Year Old, and Glenfiddich 14 Year Old Rich Oak

Glenfiddich Rich Oak 14yr, Lagavulin Sweet Peat 11yr, Springbank 100proof 5 yr

Single malts come in all shapes and ages, and this trio proves that great whisky isn’t solely about decades in wood. We have a punchy young Campbeltown classic at cask strength, a sweeter take on legendary Islay peat, and a Speyside veteran finished in fresh oak for extra richness. Each offers something distinct: raw character, balanced smoke, or polished fruit and spice. One in particular that I am excited to try: Lagavulin Sweet Peat – It has taken me months to find somewhere and get my hands on a couple of bottles at retail price (not the extortionate secondary market price).

Springbank 5 Year Old 100 Proof – 57.1% ABV

Springbank’s newest core-range addition (launched 2025) revives the spirit of old 100 Proof bottlings while using exclusively ex-bourbon casks for this quarterly release. At just five years old and bottled at natural cask strength without chill-filtration or added colour, it showcases the distillery’s signature lightly peated, twice-and-a-half distilled style in its rawest form. It’s a love letter to youthful Campbeltown malt—brash, coastal, and full of potential.

Nose: Bright and vibrant with green apples, lemon zest, grilled pineapple, and fresh hay. Coastal sea spray, wet pebbles, and subtle vanilla custard sit alongside gentle ashy peat and mineral notes. Classic Springbank funk.

Palate: Oily and punchy at full strength. Waves of malt sweetness (icing sugar, white chocolate, Horlicks), green fruits, and peppery spice lead, with a building smoky intensity—lemon drizzle, fresh herbs, and that unmistakable Campbeltown earthiness. Some water brings these flavours out more but I do prefer it full strength.

Finish: Medium-to-long and warming. Lingering peat smoke, toasted oak, citrus peel, and a clean, salty malt character that fades elegantly.

Lagavulin Sweet Peat 11 Year Old – 43% ABV

A relatively new permanent expression from the iconic Islay distillery, wanting to find a middle ground between their crisp 8 year old and their sherried 16year old, and at a reasonable price too. This 11-year-old is matured entirely in first-fill ex-bourbon casks (a departure from the classic sherry-heavy Lagavulin profile). The goal was clear: highlight a sweeter, more approachable side of their heavy peat while retaining that signature maritime depth. It’s positioned as an everyday Lagavulin with extra fruit and vanilla charm.

Nose: Fragrant and inviting—bonfire smoke meets tropical fruit (pineapple, green banana, mango) and strawberry jam sweetness. Vanilla pods, crisp toasted marshmallows, sea salt, and gentle oak spice round it out. The smoke is present but softer and sweeter than the standard 16.

Palate: Medium-bodied and smooth. Honeyed malt, salted caramel, toffee apple, and dark chocolate balance the rich peat smoke. Ginger and oak spice add lift, while the bourbon casks bring pronounced vanilla and subtle nuttiness.

Finish: Long and satisfying. Lingering peat, vanilla toffee, dark chocolate, and a touch of coastal salinity with gentle spice. Sweetness and smoke play beautifully to the end.

Glenfiddich 14 Year Old Rich Oak

This Speyside stalwart spends 14 years in ex-bourbon casks before a dual finish in new American oak and new European (Spanish) oak casks. The fresh wood imparts extra spice, vanilla, and structure to Glenfiddich’s naturally fruity character, creating a richer, more assertive expression than the standard 12 Year Old. It’s a showcase of how virgin oak can transform an already elegant malt. If you are a fan of this then bottlings like the Deanston Virgin Oak are a good match and vice versa.

Nose: Sweet and spicy with vibrant vanilla, baked apple, toasted oak, caramelised pear, and citrus. Dried fruits, honey, and gentle floral notes emerge alongside fresh sawn wood and cinnamon.

Palate: Rich and full with creamy vanilla sweetness, cooked apple, peach, zesty orange, and generous toasted oak influence. Cinnamon spice, caramel, and malt provide depth, while the new oak adds a firm yet elegant structure, very palatable and desserty.

Finish: Medium-to-long and warming. Buttery vanilla, toasted oak, lingering cinnamon, and a touch of honeyed fruit that dries pleasantly on the spice.

The Verdict

This flight spans different philosophies beautifully. The Springbank 5 Year Old 100 Proof delivers youthful intensity and coastal character in spades - ideal for fans of raw, characterful malts who don’t mind a bit of fire. The Lagavulin Sweet Peat 11 successfully broadens the Islay giant’s appeal with its honeyed fruit and balanced smoke, making it the most sessionable of the three. The Glenfiddich 14 Rich Oak brings polished Speyside elegance with an oak-driven punch that rewards slow sipping.

If forced to choose one? The Lagavulin edges it for pure personality, profile and enjoyment, a real crowd-pleasing harmony. All three highlight why age is just a number when the casks and distillery character align.

Comment below on your favourites, or if you’re reading this and want to try, contact me and maybe I will have some drams leftover, but I guarantee if I do they won’t last long.

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• Springbank 5yr 100proof
• Glenfiddich 14yr Rich Oak
• Lagavulin 11yr Sweet Peat