Springbank 35 Years Old 1969 Cask #148 (Ian Macleod)

Single malt Springbank, an independent Ian Macleod bottling, a 35 year old from 1969, drawn from cask 148 and bottled at 50%. The outturn was 516 bottles. A family distillery since 1828, Springbank is a byword for traditional Scotch whisky making. The family owner also holds Cadenhead's, the oldest independent bottler in Scotland.

The spirit 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. At this great age the malt is full and waxy, the fruit deep and the salt mellow. Everything is done on site, the spirit going from still to cask to bottle in Campbeltown. The distillery has become a place of pilgrimage for whisky enthusiasts. Kintyre's damp, mild climate suits a long and gentle maturation. The old town of Campbeltown once rivalled Speyside as Scotland's whisky heart.

Bottled at a cask strength 50%, it is rich. Oily orchard fruit, salt and a wisp of peat ride on creamy vanilla and oak sweetness. Soft fruit and brine sit behind the cask sweetness. The close is rich, fruit over a saline depth. This is a revered Campbeltown single malt.