Springbank 28 Years Old 1974 Cask #2380 (Ian Macleod)

Single malt Springbank, an independent Ian Macleod bottling matured to 28 year old from 1974, drawn from cask 2380 and bottled at 54%. 198 bottles in all. Springbank has distilled in Campbeltown since 1828, a family distillery that malts and bottles every drop on site. The distillery sits in the heart of Campbeltown, near the head of its sea loch.

It was distilled the Springbank way, two and a half times from floor malted barley, with the spirit condensed in worm tubs. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, lending vanilla and honey. Past twenty years the spirit turns waxy and profound while keeping its character. Long maturation suits the heavy, characterful make, the cask knitting slowly with the spirit. 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.

At a full 54% it is bold and oily. Vanilla, cream and light coconut meets an oily, maritime character with light peat. Soft fruit and brine sit behind the cask sweetness. A long, oily, coastal finish lingers. This is a revered Campbeltown single malt.