Whisky from Campbeltown
Some time ago this happened to be Scotland’s most famous whisky town. It was home to at least about 20 distilleries. And today shockingly the number of distilleries has dwindled down to just two and frankly speaking only one is operating currently. This region offers you a distinct taste of whisky with just a hint of peat in it. This town was one of the first ever centers to start distilling. It provided competition to Speyside. It may be hard to believe considering it’s a small town but during 1180-1920s there were a record breaking number of distilleries located in this region, to be precise, there were twenty three distilleries. They produced something close to 2 million gallons of spirit per annum, shocking isn’t it? Today there stands only two distilleries, Springback and Glen Scotia.
Springback
It is a different whisky; it was best described by the Sunday times as “Premier Grand Cru Classe”. This distillery is believed to have been founded in the year 1828. it was bought by Archibald Mitchell. Archibald Mitchell’s descendants pretty much control everything since they own this distillery. It is one of the most traditional distilleries of today. It even has some of the original buildings standing even today. They even employ the traditional methods and processes of distilling. It is famous for the production of Longrow. The whisky here has a strong taste of peat, very similar to Islay.
Glen Scotia
It was founded back in 1835. This distillery shut down in 1984 but reopened soon after in 1989. It was then sold to its current owners. Glen Scotia is small and appears to be a town house. The town is believed to be haunted by one of the previous owners who committed suicide because he was dwindled, his name was Loch. This distillery was sold in 1194 to the sister company of its present owners. It was bought by Glen Catrine Bonded warehouse and then put on sale in 1996 and finally was bought by the current owners. It now functions part time.
Campbeltown History
It is indeed hard to believe that Campbeltown ever sported more than two distilleries. It is almost impossible to believe that it was home to about thirty distilleries or more at any time.
Characteristics of Campbeltown Whisky
These whiskies are very different. They offer a full flavored and bodied whisky. They are traditional and offer great depth. They add a nice salty tang to its finish.