Springbank Single Cask #401 8 Years Old 2000 (Ex-Bourbon)

An official Springbank single malt, aged 8 year old from 2000, drawn from cask 401 and bottled at 58.5%. The outturn was 322 bottles. Springbank, distilling since 1828 in Campbeltown, is a byword for traditional Scotch whisky making. The whole process, malting included, is carried out by hand on the one site.

This was run through the distillery's part triple distillation, the malt floor malted and gently peated, and slowly worm tub cooled. Ex-Bourbon casks held the spirit, soft oak that lets the make lead. Younger here, it keeps a vigorous, briny freshness over the oily body. The hands on, small scale working shapes a spirit of real individuality. 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. Demand far outstrips the small output, and bottles are keenly chased.

At a natural 58.5% it is full and oily. A briny, oily depth with a hint of peat ride on vanilla, honey and coconut. It is rich and layered, the fruit and salt well matched. A warming, oily finish lingers long. This is a hand made Campbeltown single malt.