Springbank 10 Years Old (51.6%)

A distillery bottling of Springbank matured to 10 year old from 2011 and bottled at 51.6%. Only 15000 bottles were released. In Mitchell family hands since 1828, Springbank is a family distillery that malts and bottles every drop on site. The family owner also holds Cadenhead's, the oldest independent bottler in Scotland.

The spirit was drawn off after two and a half distillations of gently peated malt, with the spirit condensed in worm tubs. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light honeyed sweetness. At a youthful age the make is lively, salty and full of character. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the oily, complex core over time. The sea loch at the foot of the town shapes the coastal character of the malt. Demand far outstrips the small output, and bottles are keenly chased. Springbank, Longrow and Hazelburn each show a different face of the one distillery.

At cask strength 51.6% it is muscular. A vanilla and toffee sweetness meets a salty, waxy depth with a whisper of peat. A waxy weight and a saline tang give it real body. Salt and oily fruit see out a long finish. This is Springbank's rich, oily, maritime style.