Springbank 15 could be one of the year’s most under-rated Single Malts with a spot-on, balanced complexity worth a second round.
Springbank Distillery is one of the precious few holdouts in three, unique ways. The first is that they are still family owned — the Mitchell family has owned and operated Springbank officially since 1828. The second is that they are one of only two distilleries left in Campbelltown. The third is that they are one of only two distilleries in Scotland that controls all aspects of production on the same premises — from malting to bottling. Springbank produces a range of Whiskies across the favor spectrum, from sweeter "finished" drams through peated and spicy sippers in three brands, including Longrow, Hazelburn, and their namesake Springbank.
The Springbank line of Single Malts has a very meticulous procedure. First, the malt is oh-so-lightly peated to deliver a wisp of toasted warmth and brine, and then the Spirit passes through their uniquely famous "two-and-a-half times" distillation method. Springbank 15 Year Old is this exceptional Single Malt matured for a full fifteen years in ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks and bottled at a PERFECT 46% ABV with natural color and no unnecessary filtration.
Smartass Corner:
Springbank’s famous "two-and-a-half times" distillation involves normal double distillation, with a portion set aside and the remainder passed through again for a third run — thus, 2.5x. The process and amount held back is to taste at the direction of the master distiller.