Springbank 27 Years Old 1974 Cask #2284 (Ian Macleod)

Bottled by Ian Macleod, this Springbank, a 27 year old from 1974, drawn from cask 2284 and bottled at 51%. The outturn was 158 bottles. Established in 1828, Springbank is a survivor of Campbeltown's great whisky era. Little has changed in the way the spirit is made for the best part of a century.

The spirit was given the part triple distillation unique to Springbank, and worm tub cooled in the old way. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, gentle American oak beneath the spirit. At this age it is rich and complex, the fruit folded into a waxy, briny body. Years in oak deepen the fruit and the maritime character together. 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.

Bottled at a cask strength 51%, it is rich. A coastal, waxy spirit with gentle peat sit over creamy vanilla and oak sweetness. 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.