The Peat Bog 1990 Gs (Glenscoma) (49.8%)

From Glenscoma comes this Springbank, aged 23 year old from 1990, drawn from cask 205 and bottled at 49.8%. Just 215 bottles were filled. Springbank, distilling since 1828 in Campbeltown, is still owned by the Mitchell family, five generations on. Production is tiny by modern standards, a fraction of a large Speyside distillery.

This was distilled around two and a half times from floor malted, lightly peated barley, and run into cast iron worm tubs. A refill American oak cask held it, keeping the distillery character to the fore. At this age it is rich and complex, the fruit folded into a waxy, briny body. Coastal warehousing gives the malt its briny, mineral lift. Kintyre's damp, mild climate suits a long and gentle maturation. The old town of Campbeltown once rivalled Speyside as Scotland's whisky heart. Quality and tradition, not volume, have always been the watchwords here.

At 49.8%, undiluted, it is deep and powerful. A salty, waxy depth with a whisper of peat meet vanilla, honey and coconut from the cask. It is deep and complex, the maritime spirit shining through. The close is rich, fruit over a saline depth. This is Springbank's rich, oily, maritime style.