Springbank 15 year old Single Campbeltown Malt Whisky 46%

At the far end of the Mull of Kintyre, where the Atlantic rolls into Campbeltown Loch, sits a distillery that still does things the old way. No shortcuts, no outsourcing - just barley, fire and patience.

Expert Description

Springbank 15 Year Old is a Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky distilled at Springbank, predominantly matured in sherry casks and bottled at 46%.

Springbank is the only distillery in Scotland that handles the entire process from malting to bottling itself, on the same site, by the same hands. The barley is floor malted, dried over the distillery's own kiln and distilled 2.5 times: part of the spirit is distilled twice, another part three times, and the two streams are blended afterwards. The 15 year old is a permanent fixture of the core range, and its predominantly sherry-cask maturation gives the whisky a dark, rich colour and a fullness of dried fruit and spice. The distillery was founded in 1828 and remains family owned by the Mitchell family, making it Scotland's oldest independent distillery.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Dark chocolate, demerara sugar and Christmas cake meet toasted almonds and a hint of charred oak, with a whisper of rope and sea spray underneath.

Palate

Creamy and full-bodied with raisin bread, figs, marzipan and Brazil nuts. The sweetness is kept in check by a light smoke note and a touch of pepper.

Finish

Long and warm, with sherry and oak lingering well after the last sip, rounded off by a faint, peaty smoke.

Specifications

Name: Springbank 15 Year Old
Distillery: Springbank
Region/Country: Campbeltown, Scotland
Type: Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 15 years
ABV: 46%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Predominantly sherry casks
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distillation method: 2.5 times distilled
EAN no.: 610854157005

Flavour Profile

Sherried · Fruity · Spicy · Creamy

Did You Know?

Springbank is the only Scottish distillery where part of the spirit is distilled three times and another part twice, in the same batch - one of the main reasons Springbank tastes so different from its Campbeltown neighbours.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Springbank 15 Year Old

Is Springbank 15 Year Old worth it?

Yes - Springbank is among the most respected names in whisky, and the 15 year old delivers a depth and complexity that rivals far more expensive bottles.

How does Springbank 15 Year Old taste?

It is full-bodied and sherry-driven, with notes of dark chocolate, figs and marzipan, rounded off by a light smoke and a dry, salty edge.

What makes Springbank 15 Year Old special?

Springbank is the only distillery in Scotland that handles its entire production itself, from floor malting to bottling, giving the whisky a truly hand-made character.

Should Springbank 15 Year Old be served with ice?

It is best enjoyed neat, perhaps with a drop of water to open the aromas. Ice will dull some of the sherry and spice character that makes it special.

Which glass suits Springbank 15 Year Old best?

A tulip-shaped glass gathers the aromas best. See our range of whisky glasses.

What defines whisky from Campbeltown?

Campbeltown was once the whisky capital of the world with over 30 distilleries. Today only three remain, and the style is often described as oily, salty and a little rustic. See our range of Campbeltown whisky.

Why is Springbank still family owned?

The Mitchell family has owned the distillery since the 1800s and has consistently refused to sell, even as large international spirits companies bought up most of Scotland.