Springbank 45 Years Old 1969 Cask #15 (Lombard)

Lombard bottled this Springbank, a 45 year old release from 1969, drawn from cask 15 and bottled at 40.6%. Only 237 bottles were released. Springbank is a Campbeltown distillery run by J and A Mitchell since 1828, one of the last working distilleries of old Campbeltown. It makes three malts: Springbank, the peated Longrow and the unpeated Hazelburn.

It was drawn off after two and a half distillations of gently peated malt, then condensed through worm tubs. Ex-Sherry wood suited the heavy make, adding a dried fruit richness. Very old Campbeltown make turns profound, oily and tropical with a coastal salt. Sea air works into the warehouses, lending a saline thread as the whisky breathes. 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 a full 40.6% it is bold and oily. Brine, wax and a light peat note are layered with a sherried dried fruit and nuts. A coastal salt and an orchard fruit lift it. A long, oily, coastal finish lingers. This is the most traditional malt in Scotch.