Springbank 22 Years Old 1996 Cask #55 (Archives)

Single malt Springbank, an independent Archives bottling, a 22 year old release from 1996, drawn from cask 55 and bottled at 54.9%. The outturn was 259 bottles. Springbank is a Campbeltown distillery founded in 1828, a byword for traditional Scotch whisky making. The family owner also holds Cadenhead's, the oldest independent bottler in Scotland.

It was given the part triple distillation unique to Springbank, with the spirit condensed in worm tubs. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, lending vanilla and honey. Long ageing brings an oily depth, candied fruit and a mellow coastal salt. Years in oak deepen the fruit and the maritime character together. Today just three distilleries survive in the old Kintyre whisky town. The maritime warehouses by the sea lend the malt its briny, oily depth. A 1940s Porteus mill and an open iron mash tun are part of the old setup.

Undiluted at 54.9%, it is intense. Oily orchard fruit, salt and a wisp of peat ride on vanilla, cream and light coconut. It is deep and complex, the maritime spirit shining through. It finishes deep, complex and maritime. This is the cult Campbeltown malt from J and A Mitchell.