Springbank 1989 Private Bottling Cask #423

This Springbank, an official release from 1989, drawn from cask 423 and bottled at 46%. A release of 420 bottles. Springbank, founded in 1828 in Campbeltown, is one of the last working distilleries of old Campbeltown. It makes three malts: Springbank, the peated Longrow and the unpeated Hazelburn.

This was distilled the Springbank way, two and a half times from floor malted barley, then condensed through worm tubs. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light honeyed sweetness. No age is given, but the oily depth marks it as classic Campbeltown make. Sea air works into the warehouses, lending a saline thread as the whisky breathes. 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% it is balanced. An oily, maritime character with light peat are layered with vanilla, honey and coconut. A coastal salt and an orchard fruit lift it. The close is rich, fruit over a saline depth. This is an oily, salty Campbeltown classic.