Springbank 10 Year Old 100 Proof 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.
Whilst bourbon casks are mainly used for maturation of Springbank malts, allowing the distillery character to shine through, a number of sherry casks are also used for added body. The light colour of this malt belies the richness of its character. Whilst the nose suggests a wide range of aromas, from citrus fruits to pears and a hint of peat, the palate excites even further with touches of smoke, vanilla essence, nutmeg, cinnamon and the salty that has become a trademark of the Springbank style. Complexity is the key word yet it remains perfectly balanced from first sip to the full, rich finish.
Other reviews... Nose: enormously bright with strands of honey and ginger thrown in delicious effect. Palate: massive malt arrival with some vanilla trying to dig its way in but with only limited success. Finish: stunning brown sugar and melt-in-the-mouth malt at the very death: what is going on? This really is quite different Springbank, due to its comparitive youth lacking its usual briney complexity, but the tale told is sweet and engrossing. Easily one of the best ten year olds from this distillery I’ve ever tasted. 57% Alc./Vol. Rating: 90 - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2006
Click here to learn more about Scotch Whisky