Springbank Distillery Picture Label 20 Years Old 1974

This official Springbank single malt, a 20 year old from 1974 and bottled at 46%. Just 960 bottles were filled. The Springbank distillery, established in 1828, is the most traditional distillery in Scotch, malting all its own barley. Hedley Wright's family has kept the distillery independent for the best part of two centuries.

The make was distilled two and a half times from lightly peated, floor malted malt, and condensed in traditional worm tubs. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, gentle American oak beneath the spirit. Long ageing brings an oily depth, candied fruit and a mellow coastal salt. Worm tub condensing and an oil fired wash still build the rich, oily texture the distillery is known for. The town and the sea run through every cask of the make. 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.

Bottled at 46%, it is rounded. Creamy vanilla and oak sweetness from the cask underpins oily orchard fruit, salt and a wisp of peat. Beneath it run oily fruit, salt and a coastal depth. It closes long, oily and salty. This is the flagship malt of old Campbeltown.