Springbank 35 Years Old 1952 Dumpy Bottle (Cadenhead’s)

From Cadenhead's comes this Springbank, a 35 year old Campbeltown malt from 1952 and bottled at 45.5%. The Springbank distillery, established in 1828, is run much as it was a century ago. Production is tiny by modern standards, a fraction of a large Speyside distillery.

The make was drawn off after two and a half distillations of gently peated malt, and run into cast iron worm tubs. Ex-Bourbon casks held the spirit, soft oak that lets the make lead. At this great age the malt is full and waxy, the fruit deep and the salt mellow. Long maturation suits the heavy, characterful make, the cask knitting slowly with the spirit. A 1940s Porteus mill and an open iron mash tun are part of the old setup. The Mitchell family has held the distillery for five generations. The town and the sea run through every cask of the make. The sea loch at the foot of the town shapes the coastal character of the malt.

Reduced to 45.5%, it is mellow. Vanilla, cream and light coconut from the cask underpins brine, wax and a light peat note. Beneath it run oily fruit, salt and a coastal depth. Sea salt and fruit draw out the close. This is Springbank's rich, oily, maritime style.