Springbank Private Bottling 9 Years Old 2000

An official Springbank single malt, a 9 year old from 2000, drawn from cask 2000 / 597 and bottled at 45.4%. Just 97 bottles were filled. Established in 1828, Springbank is famous for doing everything on site, from floor malting to bottling. The distillery sits in the heart of Campbeltown, near the head of its sea loch.

The spirit was drawn off after two and a half distillations of gently peated malt, with the spirit condensed in worm tubs. A sherry cask wrapped the oily spirit in dried fruit and a nutty depth. At a youthful age the make is lively, salty and full of character. A patient maturation suits the rich, complex Campbeltown spirit. A 1940s Porteus mill and an open iron mash tun are part of the old setup. The Mitchell family has held the distillery for five generations. 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.

At 45.4% it is smooth and oily. Brine, wax and a light peat note sit over dried fruit and a walnut richness. 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.