Springbank Private Cask Bottling 23 Years Old 1992

This Springbank, an official release, aged 23 year old from 1992, drawn from cask 188 and bottled at 48.8%. Only 119 bottles were released. In Mitchell family hands since 1828, Springbank is run much as it was a century ago. Production is tiny by modern standards, a fraction of a large Speyside distillery.

The spirit was given Springbank's unusual two and a half times distillation, and run into cast iron worm tubs. Ex-Sherry wood suited the heavy make, adding a dried fruit richness. Beyond twenty years the malt grows waxy and deep, tropical fruit and salt over an oily base. Years in oak deepen the fruit and the maritime character together. 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 cask strength 48.8% it is muscular. Dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask underpins oily orchard fruit, salt and a wisp of peat. It is deep and complex, the maritime spirit shining through. Sea salt and fruit draw out the close. This is the cult Campbeltown malt from J and A Mitchell.