Sansibar is a German brand which deals with the most diverse things: originally it used to be a restaurant located in Sylt on the German island of Rantum, but now its business includes also clothes, wines… In short, it’s a little giant: fortunately for every whisky lover in the world, it’s been a while since Sansibar has decided to deal in whisky too, becoming an independent bottler. Max Righi is the Italian importer and he launched it during the last edition of Spirit of Scotland. Talking to Jens Drewitz, he warmly recommended to taste its Springbank 22 yo… We did it, and we couldn’t avoid bringing a sample home. We couldn’t wait too much to drink it again…
N: the first impact is impressive, because the profile is definetely Campbeltownish. Whiffs of sea breeze stand out. A stormy sea spraying on your face on a Winter day. Sharp mineral hints, like chalk, vivid and damp peat, mixed with stones, calcareous rocks lashed by the waves. An incredible sensation of wet wool, and even wax crayons. There is also an “antiqued” side, like starched dresses, dried flowers (violets and heather). It shows a metallic note reminding of some old cologne… Earl Grey tea. Intense – despite being sidelined – vaguely sugary suggestions (liquid sugar, indeed). White peaches. Terrific…
P: …and terrific is also the palate, absolutely consistent with the nose. We’re dancing in a framework of absolute elegance, despite the bold, edgy and austere violence of the elements. Sea, earth, peat clashing. We leave aside the fire only because it’s and extinguished fire, which gives only a hint of smoke and ash… Let’s take it slowly: again those floral notes, again that sugary sweetness and that sea water which – experienced together – remind us of an old aftershave. And that acrid, peaty and slightly metallic minerality (again starch, again wet wool). A pinch of pepper.
F: it leaves salt on our lips. Dried flowers and ash. Earth. Extremely mineral, frankly unique.
L’We dare you to find a profile like this outside Campbeltown. It’s violent, consistent, blunt. Nevertheless, it cuddles us with sexy floral notes, elegant and delicate. Probably, offshore from Rantum there are mermaids… We imagine the Ulysses’ ones smelling like this dram. 92/100. Many thanks to Max and Jens.
Recommended soundtrack: Jimmy Page & Robert Plant – The Battle of Evermore.
