Springbank 8 Years Old (43%)

This Springbank, an official release matured to 8 year old and bottled at 43%. In Mitchell family hands since 1828, Springbank is the most traditional distillery in Scotch, malting all its own barley. Small output and a cult following keep its bottles allocated and keenly sought.

The spirit was given Springbank's unusual two and a half times distillation, the vapour cooled in worm tubs. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, lending vanilla and honey. Still young, the malt is oily and robust with a coastal lift. Worm tub condensing and an oil fired wash still build the rich, oily texture the distillery is known for. The open larch washbacks are a rare survival in modern Scotch. 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.

At an easy 43% it is gentle. Creamy vanilla and oak sweetness from the cask underpins oily orchard fruit, salt and a wisp of peat. Soft fruit and brine sit behind the cask sweetness. Sea salt and fruit draw out the close. This is a revered Campbeltown single malt.