Springbank 21 Years Old

This Springbank, an official release matured to 21 year old and bottled at 46%. Springbank has distilled in Campbeltown since 1828, run much as it was a century ago. It makes three malts: Springbank, the peated Longrow and the unpeated Hazelburn.

It was given the part triple distillation unique to Springbank, then condensed through worm tubs. Maturation in a sherry cask laid dried fruit over the maritime malt. Past twenty years the spirit turns waxy and profound while keeping its character. Years in oak deepen the fruit and the maritime character together. 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. The open larch washbacks are a rare survival in modern Scotch. The distillery has become a place of pilgrimage for whisky enthusiasts.

At 46% it is supple and briny. Raisin, fig and a vanilla sweetness from the cask underpins oily orchard fruit, salt and a wisp of peat. A coastal salt and an orchard fruit lift it. It finishes deep, complex and maritime. This is an oily, salty Campbeltown classic.