Are you looking for a unique whisky experience? Springbank has the answer! Based in the small town of Campbeltown on Scotland’s beautiful west coast, Springbank has been making whisky since 1828. It is one of the oldest whisky distilleries in Scotland. Besides having some delicious original bottling, when it comes to independent bottlings there are some hidden gems that you must definitely try!
As a matter of fact, if you’ve ever wanted to try a whisky from one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, the independent bottlings from Springbank are a great place to start. Here you can find our top 10 Springbank independent bottlings you must try. And at the end of the article, you will also find a bonus bottling from Springbank…
Why independent bottlings from Springbank?
Springbank is one of those distilleries much loved by whisky fans. Springbank stands out among the larger whisky producers by remaining an independent and family-owned business. This unique ownership structure grants them the freedom to prioritize their focus on the product and maintain quality.
Given the fact that Springbank maximum annual output is 750,000 litres annually – with that being roughly 80% Springbank, 10% Longrow and 10% Hazelburn – the whisky bottles are pretty hard to find due to their high demand.
Buying a bottle of Springbank from an independent bottler can be a great way to try such a cherished whisky. Plus, as we mentioned in our previous article, independent bottlers offer unique bottles that for various reasons cannot be released by the distillery itself.
Are you curious to know our favourite Springbank independent bottlings? Keep reading!
Springbank 1965
Bottler: Samaroli
Bottling series: Flowers
Distilled: 1965
Stated Age: 25 years old
Number of bottles: 480
Strength: 46.0 % Vol
Size: 750 ml
We have already talked about Samaroli in the past. The ‘Flowers’ releases from this label are particularly known as being top quality. So there’s no surprise that we picked this 1965 Springbank!
Indeed, old Samaroli’s bottles are all about harmony and complexity. As one should expect, this Springbank is perfectly balanced, with blood orange in the nose, some flowers and grapefruit with a hint of liquorice and ginger. It goes on with a more medicinal note, involving tobaccos, mineral oils and a shadow of peat.
Springbank 1966
Bottler: Murray McDavid
Distilled: 1966
Bottled: 1996
Stated Age: 30 years old
Cask type: Sherry Cask
Strength: 46.0 % Vol.
Size: 700 ml
Established early in 1994 in London, Murray McDavid has quickly become a leading Scotch whisky bottler. They are famous for maturing whisky in interesting casks. And this Springbank is certainly not an exception.
Matured in Sherry Cask, this whisky encapsulates the soul of the Springbank whiskies of the 1960s. Certainly a golden era for the distillery, and just like gold this bottle is quite hard to find. So if you find it on an auction, don’t hesitate to place your bid!
Springbank 1990
Bottler: Kingsbury
Bottling Series: Celtic Series
Distilled: 1990
Number of bottles: 271
Strength: 50.6 % Vol.
Size: 700 ml
Kingsbury Wine & Spirits Co. – or simply Kingsbury was founded in Aberdeen in 1989 by Katsuhiko Tanaka, the president of Japan Import System Co. Ltd., Kingsbury has a unique background that sets it apart.
Kingsbury whisky is predominantly sold in Japan, with only a select few sold outside the country. They have released a number of some of the most collectable whiskies on the market and are renowned for selecting only high-quality whisky.
To be honest, we at MNIW are particularly fond of the whiskies under the Celtic label, as everyone we have tasted so far that is part of this series has stolen a little piece of our hearts. Therefore, it was only natural for us to select this Springbank 1990 and wholeheartedly recommend it to you.
Once again, it must be noted that this particular bottle is not easily found. However, the thrill of the hunt is undeniably worth it!
Springbank 30-year-old
Bottler: Cadenhead’s
Bottling Series: Dumpy Bottle
Stated Age: 30 years old
Strength: 46.0 % Vol.
Size: 170 ml
As we already stated in our previous article, William Cadenhead Limited, Wine and Spirit Merchants, was founded in 1842 at 47 Netherkirkgate in Aberdeen, a site the company traded from for more than 130 years. Today, the business is owned by J. & A. Mitchell and Co., owner of Springbank Distillery in Campbeltown.
Renowned as Scotland’s oldest independent bottler, Cadenhead’s has gained a well-deserved reputation for releasing exceptional whiskies. Among their impressive offerings, the famous ‘dumpy’ series stands out, showcasing exceptional vintages from the 1950s and 1960s. The scarcity of whiskies from this bygone era has made them increasingly elusive in recent times, adding to their allure and making them highly sought-after in the whisky world.
Springbank 1965
Bottler: Moon Import
Bottling Series: The Birds – first collection
Distilled: 1965
Bottled: 1987
Cask type: Sherry Wood
Number of bottles: 504
Strength: 46.0 % Vol.
Size: 750 ml
Moon Import is an Italian Independent bottling company founded by Pepi Mongiardino in 1980. We already talked about this independent bottler in one of our previous articles, and as we stated, Moon Import has an incredible whisky portfolio to offer.
The Springbank 1965 holds a special place among our cherished Moon Import bottles. This particular expression of Springbank whisky stands out for its distinctive qualities, characterized by a rich smokiness that imparts a luscious thickness and woody undertones. The journey continues with delightful hints of sweet spices, such as pepper and nutmeg, adding layers of complexity. A delightful burst of fruitiness then emerges, with a bouquet of vibrant flavours
Springbank 30-year-old
Bottler: Milroy’s of Soho
Bottling Series: Golden Strength
Stated Age: 30 years old
Strength: 50.0 % Vol.
Size: 700 ml
Here we are, suggesting another 30-year-old Springbank. This time bottled by Milroy’s of Soho, a very much loved independent bottler that offers exceptional and mature single-cask malts from Scotland’s most renowned distilleries.
This 30-year-old Springbank is one of a kind. This whisky hides an explosive freshness of oranges on the palate, with hints of chocolate and lemongrass. Still, it remains quite mineral, as the typical Springbank whisky from the old days.
Springbank 1996
Bottler: The Whisky Agency
Bottling Series: Ten Years
Distilled: 1996
Bottled: 2018
Stated Age: 21 years old
Cask type: Ex-Sherry Hogshead
Strength: 50.3 % Vol.
Size: 700 ml
The Whisky Agency was established in Germany by Carsten Ehrlich, who also happens to be the driving force behind The Whisky Fair in Limburg, one of the most renowned annual whisky events worldwide. Although there isn’t much information about this independent bottler, the quality of their bottlings is unquestionable.
This 1996 Springbank whisky will make you fall in love all over again with the whiskies from this distillery. It is a spirit with very pleasant mineral notes and woody tones. However, as soon as you taste it you will find it surprisingly soft, with a rich bouquet of berry jam, nuts, and leather goods. The finale is enriched by tropical fruits and peat.
Springbank 1970
Bottler: Signatory Vintage
Bottling Series: Cask Strength Collection
Distilled: 1970
Bottled: 2007
Stated Age: 37 years old
Cask type: Frist-fill Oloroso Sherry Butt
Number of bottles: 370
Strength: 53.9 % Vol.
Size: 700 ml
Signatory is an independent bottler with a special release policy. The company typically bottles one cask at a time, each of them with unique colour and flavour characteristics.
This lovely Springbank from 1970 is a must-try. On the nose, you are immediately struck by figs and liqueur-filled chocolate notes. And as soon as you taste it, you can sense the hints of slightly burnt tobacco. As in every Springbank, this expression also holds a fruity bouquet, with oranges and raisins. In short, it is an unforgettable experience.
Springbank 1965
Bottler: Douglas Laing
Bottling Series: Old Malt Cask
Distilled: 1965
Bottled: 2000
Stated Age: 34 years old
Number of bottles: 196
Strength: 40.9 % Vol.
Size: 700 ml
Douglas Laing & Co. is a family-owned, Glasgow-based independent bottler, established in 1948. The company bottles an exceptional single casks range. In particular, the Old Malt Cask series is one of the most established independent labels on the market. It was launched by Douglas Laing in 1998 and bottled by them until 2013 when the brand became part of the Hunter Laing portfolio.
This very rare Springbank 1965 is a very intense and unusual malt with the sound of the classic Springbank whiskies: fruity, incredibly complex and rich with a hint of peat.
Springbank 1967
Bottler: Duncan Taylor
Bottling Series: Peerless
Distilled: 1967
Bottled: 2004
StatedAge: 37 years old
Number of bottles: 216
Strength: 41.6 % Vol.
Size: 700 ml
Duncan Taylor was founded in 1938 in Glasgow. It has been laying down casks from premium distilleries and now owns one of the largest privately held collections of vintage and rare scotch whisky casks.
This 1967 Springbank is an elegant, fruity old expression that tastes more powerful than its strength, with plenty of mineral notes.
Bonus Bottling: Maya – Springbank 1999
We promised you a list of 10 recommended whiskies from Springbank distilleries released by independent bottlers…plus one. Of course, here we could only include our most recent bottling-Maya!
We are especially proud to have selected this expression.
Aged for 23 years in first-fill bourbon casks, this whisky is the celebration of the very soul of Springbank Distillery. Its remarkable journey from distillation in 1999 to bottling in 2022 has resulted in a whisky that captures the essence of Springbank.
As soon as you taste it, you can immediately sense the fruity flavours of ripe peaches, cherries, and crisp apples The fruitiness extends with the tropical allure of juicy mangoes and the invigorating zest of lemons. The freshness of these notes is balanced with the only whisky’s texture and the waxy tone. Adding a subtle layer of depth, a hint of peat smoke enhances the overall character of the whisky.
Yes, we are in love with this Springbank. Yes, we will probably talk about it more in the future…
In Conclusion
We have looked together at our top 10 favourite Springbank whiskies by independent bottlers.
Now it’s your turn!
Share this article on social media, tag us and let us know what is your top 3 Springbank whiskies from independent bottlers!
