Springbank Whisky
Springbank Whisky is renowned for its wonderful depth of flavour that is perfectly balanced from start to finish. The brand is committed to its traditional methods, being one of the few distilleries that continues to conduct the entire whisky-making process on-site, from malting to bottling.
What is the story behind Springbank Whisky?
Officially founded in 1828 by the Mitchells family, the Springbank Distillery is located in Campbeltown, a Scottish town once hailed as the capital of whisky. Today, it is one of only three distilleries still operating in this historic town.
Thanks to its owners’ long history of distilling, Springbank achieved prominence as one of the big whisky producers in the township. Although the company faced harsh setbacks during the Prohibition Era of the 1920s, it survived the competition by switching production towards making lighter and less peated whisky.
Today, Springbank remains one of the most prestigious and sought-after whiskies in the world.
Who owns Springbank?
Springbank is owned by J & A Mitchell & Company, a family-run business that also owns the other two Campbeltown distilleries, Glengyle and Glen Scotia.
What type of whisky is Springbank?
Springbank is a single-malt Scotch whisky crafted from 100% malted barley.
Is Springbank whisky peated?
Yes. The Springbank whisky is medium-peated due to using malted barley that was dried by peat fires.
How many times is Springbank distilled?
Springbank is distilled two-and-a-half times to give it its distinctive flavour.
What makes Springbank so special?
Springbank is renowned and highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide for various reasons:
- Traditional methods: Springbank remains one of the few distilleries in Scotland to malt 100% of its barley using traditional floor malting methods. Other similarly traditional production features include wooden washbacks used for fermentation, a worm tub cooling system and a direct-fired still.
- One distillery for all processes: Even amongst single-malt specialists, Springbank distinguishes itself by conducting its entire whisky-making process – from the malting of the barley right through to bottling – on-site at its one distillery.
- Limited supply: Springbank is noted for being a rare whisky to find on selves, and for a good reason, the distillery focuses on ageing its stock to the right maturity to ensure complex and multi-layered flavours.
- Independent Ownership: Springbank continues to be an independent and family-owned business, which gives it the ability to concentrate on product and quality.
Springbank Scotch Whisky labels
Here is just a selection of the Springbank labels available on the Malaysian market:
- Springbank 10-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky: The perfect introduction to the Springbank range of whiskies. This whisky, matured in bourbon casks and sherry casks, has such a wonderful depth of flavour and is perfectly balanced from start to finish.
- Springbank 18-Year-Old: This whisky has matured to perfection, offering a depth of character that can only come from 18 years of careful ageing.
- Springbank 15-Year-Old: Like a storm gathering off the Kintyre coast, the 15-year-old Springbank is dark and ominous, yet delicious.
- Springbank 13-Year-Old Local Barley: Made with locally-grown Belgravia barley and matured in casks for over a decade.
- Springbank 10-Year-Old Sherry PX: Masterfully aged in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, this unique maturation process imparts a rich and sweet character to the whisky, making it a standout choice for connoisseurs.
- Springbank 21-Year-Old: This popular bottle is aged in a combination of rum (70%) and bourbon (30%) casks.
- Springbank Madeira Wood Aged 17-Year-Old: Aged to perfection in Madeira casks, this exceptional spirit offers a unique and sophisticated flavour profile that sets it apart.
What is the oldest Springbank?
The Springbank 1919 50-Year-Old is the oldest Springbank label available and one of the oldest whiskies on the market overall.
Tasting notes: What does Springbank taste like?
Springbank whiskies have a distinctive multi-layered flavour with a unique “funk” note. Each label has their own taste profile that ensures no two bottles are the same:
- Springbank 10-Year-Old: An aroma of orchard fruit (pear) with a hint of peat, vanilla and malt. The palate contains malt, oak, spice, nutmeg and cinnamon, vanilla essence. The finish is sweet, with a lingering salty tingle.
- Springbank 18-Year-Old: The rich and inviting aroma contains notes of dark chocolate, dried fruits, and subtle spices, complemented by hints of oak and a touch of smoke. The flavour is complex and balanced, including sweet dried fruits, creamy toffee, warm spices, and a hint of nutty oak, all wrapped in a smooth, velvety texture. It ends on a long and satisfying finish with lingering notes of oak, gentle smoke, and a subtle sweetness.
- Springbank 15-Year-Old: A biscuit aroma complemented by a combination of various oils and fuels, antiseptic, brine, eucalyptus and pineapple. The palate is rather dry, a bit on grape seed. Gets dirtier in the mouth, with tarry rope, salt, oils and lubricants, earth, and ground coffee. The finish is rather long and ashy, tarry, with the bitter grape seed note still present.
- Springbank 13-Year-Old Local Barley: An aroma of tinned pineapple, nectarines and mangos, as well as some steeped barley, salty liquorice and citrus gelato. The palate has the proper amount of oiliness with decent waxiness. Hints of charred lemons, wet pebbles, petrichor and a sprinkle of salt, accompanied by wood smoke, peat, some coffee grounds and earthy liquorice root, but also a sliver of chocolate and subtle yellow fruits. It ends on a long, lingering smokey finish, peach and lots of minerality with a sliver of mint.
- Springbank 10-Year-Old Sherry PX: A rich and inviting aroma with notes of dried fruits, caramel, dark chocolate, and subtle oak. The palate is a luxurious blend of sweet dried fruits, creamy caramel, and rich chocolate, balanced with hints of spice and oak. A long and satisfying finish, with lingering notes of sweet sherry, oak, and a touch of warm spice.
- Springbank 21-Year-Old: A pineapple aroma – fresh, extremely ripe, sweet and fruity but not overripe, also flambéed pineapple, clarified warm butter and mint. The palate is a lowland fruit bomb – oily, soft, fruit,y sweet, ripe pineapple with a light fermentation note – clear wax note, fine oak, and mineral lemon. The finish is very long and full-bodied – very fruity and intense with butter, wax, and pepper.
- Springbank Madeira Wood Aged 17-Year-Old: The aroma is rich with notes of dried fruits, honey, and subtle spices, complemented by a hint of oak and a touch of sweet wine from the Madeira cask. Velvety smooth texture gives way to flavours of figs, apricots, and raisins intertwined with warm spices, vanilla, and a gentle nuttiness. It finishes with a lingering warmth containing a delightful balance of oak, spice, and a lingering sweetness from the Madeira influence.
What is the best Springbank Whisky for beginners?
The 10-Year-Old provides the perfect introduction to the world of whisky for newcomers. Its complex yet perfectly balanced taste makes it approachable for those who have yet to cut themselves on more intense sips.
Food pairings
Springbank’s rich flavour makes the perfect pairing for these foods:
- Beef and lamb
- Fresh fish or sashimi
- Strong cheeses like blue cheese
- Shellfish like oysters
- Chocolate
How to drink Springbank Whisky?
Here are some ways you can enjoy your Springbank:
- Neat: Recommended for beginners, drinking Springbank neat will allow you to appreciate the aromas and flavours.
- On the rocks: Pouring or stirring Springbank over ice will dilute its intensity, making it more approachable while still bringing our certain flavours.
- With a splash of water: Adding a few drops of water to your Springbank Whiskey can open up the subtler flavours and aromas.
- In a cocktail: Try different cocktail recipes using different Springbank labels to create a unique flavour combination.
The best place to buy Springbank Whisky
If you’re looking for a bottle of Springbank to wow guests or family members at your next party or gathering, then Whisky.my is the place for you. With the most affordable Springbank Whisky price in Malaysia, you can purchase and enjoy this rare and prestigious libation. Buy a label now and partake in the truest taste of Scottish tradition today!