By Stuart Palmer | Head of Wines, Whisky & Spirits
Nestled in the heart of the picturesque coastal town of Campbeltown, the Springbank Distillery has been producing world-renowned whiskies for over 180 years – and fine examples shine bright in the May 3 Wine, Whisky and Spirits Auction
This family-owned distillery is unique in its approach to whisky-making, utilising traditional methods and techniques to produce some of the most sought-after single malt whiskies in the world.
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One of the key aspects that sets Springbank apart from other distilleries is its commitment to the entire whisky-making process. Unlike many other distilleries that outsource the malting process, Springbank does its own floor malting, using only the finest barley that is hand-selected by the distillery’s team. This labour-intensive process is time-consuming but is a critical step in ensuring the unique flavour and character of Springbank whiskies.
Springbank also utilises traditional copper pot stills in the distillation process, which are believed to produce a more flavourful and complex whisky. These stills are the same type of stills that were used when the distillery was founded in 1828 and unusually these days one remains heated by direct fire. Among others, these nuances are a testament to the distillery’s commitment to tradition and quality.
Another unique aspect of Springbank’s approach to whisky-making is its use of a variety of casks for maturation. The distillery has a vast collection of oak casks, including ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and ex-port casks, which are used to impart unique flavours and aromas to the whiskies. The casks are carefully selected and monitored by the distillery’s team to ensure that each batch of whisky is of the highest quality.
Springbank’s commitment to quality is evident in its production of three distinct types of single malt whisky: Springbank, Longrow, and Hazelburn.
Springbank is a lightly-peated whisky that is matured in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks, resulting in a complex and well-balanced whisky. Longrow, on the other hand, is heavily-peated and matured in bourbon casks, producing a bold and smoky whisky. Hazelburn is an unpeated whisky that is triple-distilled and matured in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks, resulting in a delicate and smooth whisky.
Visitors to the Springbank Distillery can take a tour of the facility and witness the traditional methods of whisky-making firsthand. The distillery also offers tastings of its various single malts, allowing visitors to experience the unique flavours and aromas that have given Springbank an almost cult following among whisky enthusiasts.
Springbank Distillery is a shining example of where tradition meets excellence. The distillery’s commitment to quality, tradition, and the use of traditional methods has resulted in the production of some of the very finest single malt whiskies.
Whether you’re a seasoned whisky drinker or a newcomer to the world of whisky, a visit to the Springbank Distillery is a must-see experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the art of whisky-making.
Having visited Springbank a number of times, it’s like stepping back in time to a different era and gives a feel of how things used to be done and perhaps how things should be done. It’s certainly a case of quality over quantity at Springbank with relatively low numbers of litres of spirit produced. For anyone looking to begin a journey into whisky, a trip to Springbank is an absolute must, it won’t just be the direct fired still that will be ignited.
Invitation to consign
Entries are invited for regular Wine, Whisky and Spirits sales. To discuss a potential consignment, or to arrange a free valuation, contact Stuart Palmer: [email protected]
