Longrow 1992 (Authentic Collection) (57.2%)

Cadenhead's selected this Longrow, aged 9 year old from 1992 and bottled at 57.2%. Only 354 bottles were released. Springbank, run by J and A Mitchell since 1828 in Campbeltown, is the most traditional distillery in Scotch, malting all its own barley. Small output and a cult following keep its bottles allocated and keenly sought.

This was made by double distillation of heavily peated Campbeltown malt, the vapour cooled in worm tubs. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, with vanilla under the oily fruit. Still young, the malt is oily and robust with a coastal lift. Coastal warehousing gives the malt its briny, mineral lift. The distillery has become a place of pilgrimage for whisky enthusiasts. 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.

At a hearty 57.2% it carries real weight. Vanilla, cream and light coconut from the cask underpins smoke, tar and an oily maritime depth. It is deep and complex, the maritime spirit shining through. A long, oily, coastal finish lingers. This is Springbank's heavily peated Longrow.