Springbank distillery has been owned and operated by the Mitchell family in Campbeltown since 1837, and it one of Scotland's most revered distilleries. Following a brief mothballing between 1979 and 1987, upon the reopening the decision was taken to cease all sales to the blending industry and focus on its single malt sales. Today it is one of the only distilleries to malt, distil, bottle and mature whisky on the same site, and produces three distinct and highly prized single malts.

This is a 1990s bottle of the Springbank 12 year old, bottled at 100 imperial proof.

These releases are affectionately known as the 'Green Thistle' bottlings on account of their packaging.

Likely bottled around 1991/1992, this is actually still a 75cl bottle, despite what is printed on the label.

Another version of this tall bottle ‘thistle’ label done for Japan that’s very scarce. Colour: Bronze. Nose: A big, beefy and earthy sherry. Lots of cured meats, walnut wine, damp cellar floors, old balsamic and rancio. Also I find many dark fruits such as sultanas, date paste, stewed prunes and dried cranberries. Rather beautiful and close in style to the legendary 100 proof bottlings. With time it becomes greener and more tropical with these wee notes of dried mango, green banana and papaya Mouth: pure Springbank now! Smoked fruit jellies, tar liqueur, fishing nets, game, soot, walnut liqueur, delicate antiseptic and bandages. These dark fruits also remain with more notes of raisin and fruit loaf. The meatiness and delicate peatiness continues apace and the sherry remains ever-present but never dominating. Finish: Long, earthy and slightly drying with bitter chocolate and some mineral aspects. Comments: Something of a masterclass in composition, poise, controlled power and elegance. It’s also textbook Springbank and far, far too dangerous.

---

Show more

---

---

Show less

---