Springbank 50 Years Old (43%)

This official Springbank single malt, a 50 year old from 1919 and bottled at 43%. 24 bottles in all. In Mitchell family hands since 1828, Springbank is the most traditional distillery in Scotch, malting all its own barley. The distillery champions the old, slow, labour intensive way of making whisky.

The spirit was given Springbank's unusual two and a half times distillation, and condensed in traditional worm tubs. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light honeyed sweetness. Decades leave it waxy and oxidative, candied fruit and brine with great depth. Worm tub condensing and an oil fired wash still build the rich, oily texture the distillery is known for. 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.

Reduced to 43%, it is mellow. Vanilla, honey and coconut from the cask underpins oily orchard fruit, salt and a wisp of peat. Beneath it run oily fruit, salt and a coastal depth. Sea salt and fruit draw out the close. This is the flagship malt of old Campbeltown.