Springbank 17 Years Old 1992 Cask #132 (Adelphi)

Single malt Springbank, an independent Adelphi bottling, aged 17 year old from 1992, drawn from cask 132 and bottled at 54.3%. Just 257 bottles were filled. Springbank, founded in 1828 in Campbeltown, 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.

This was run through the distillery's part triple distillation, the malt floor malted and gently peated, with the spirit condensed in worm tubs. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, gentle American oak beneath the spirit. Past a decade the oily spirit deepens, fruit and salt knitting with the oak. A patient maturation suits the rich, complex Campbeltown spirit. 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.

At a natural 54.3% it is full and oily. Brine, wax and a light peat note sit over vanilla, cream and light coconut. A waxy weight and a saline tang give it real body. A warming, oily finish lingers long. This is Springbank's rich, oily, maritime style.