1998 Springbank Vintage Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Campbeltown is one of Scotland's four recognised whisky-producing regions, and is situated on the mull of Kintyre some 240 km from Glasgow, south of Islay. Due to the exposed, coastal location of the town, Campbeltown whiskies have their own distinct character defined particularly by an oily, briny quality.

For most of the 17th and 18th century, Campbeltown was a prominent smuggling centre. Following the Excise Act of 1823 taxes were reduced to such an extent that legal distilling at last became competitive against smuggling. This really was the beginning of the golden years for Campbeltown distillers, who hastily began applying for licences. Campbeltown saw a total of 34 distilleries established during the boom of the 19th century and subsequently became known as "Whisky Capital of the World." However, the levels of production were so high that it was inevitable the bubble would burst. The early part of the 20th century saw changes which had a detrimental effect on the Campbeltown whisky trade. Overconfident in their Glasgow monopoly, some Campbeltown distillers became complacent, putting the emphasis on quantity, not quality, which led to the production of inferior spirit. This, coupled with post-war economic depression and prohibition in the United States, took its toll and by 1930 only three distilleries survived. Rieclachan closed in 1934, leaving only Springbank and Glen Scotia as it remains to this day. Springbank Distillery was officially established in 1828 on the previous illicit site of Archibald Mitchell, great-great grandfather of the present Chairman, Mr. Hedley Wright.

This whisky was bottled exclusively for the Australian market and just 621 bottles were produced. As a point of difference to regular Springbank bottlings, maturation took place in smaller than average oak casks which have contributed to the deeper colour and more mature flavour profile. No colouring added. Non chill filtered.

Tasting note: Deep copper colour. Aromas suggest a profound Sherry influence, with dense, marmalade like dried fruit characteristics over notes of cocoa, honey and vanilla. There's sufficient freshness to the fruitiness to keep this vibrant rather than overly sweet and heavy. Enormous in the mouth, an intense bitter sweet profile explode with chunky, chewy flavours of dried fruits, roasted nut and dark chocolate. Gently tingly, warm, spicy spirit, but well balanced at cask strength. Spices persist into the long dark chocolate aftertaste. Huge whisky, even by this distillery's standards. 53.3% Alc./Vol.