Springbank 22 Years Old 1998 Cask #426 (Adelphi)

Bottled by Adelphi, this Springbank matured to 22 year old from 1998, drawn from cask 426 and bottled at 46.3%. Only 239 bottles were released. Springbank has distilled in Campbeltown since 1828, a cult Campbeltown distillery with a devoted following. Little has changed in the way the spirit is made for the best part of a century.

It was made by Springbank's singular two and a half times distillation, and worm tub cooled in the old way. A sherry butt held it, the wood lending raisin and walnut. Long ageing brings an oily depth, candied fruit and a mellow coastal salt. The cool, damp Campbeltown air by the sea gives a slow, even maturation. Kintyre's damp, mild climate suits a long and gentle maturation. The old town of Campbeltown once rivalled Speyside as Scotland's whisky heart. Quality and tradition, not volume, have always been the watchwords here. The spirit is filled to cask and matured within the distillery walls.

At an approachable 46.3% it is balanced. A briny, oily depth with a hint of peat ride on dried fruit and a walnut richness. The mouthfeel is oily, the fruit carried on a salty body. The finish runs deep, briny and warm. This is the most traditional malt in Scotch.