Campbeltown, a small coastal town on the Kintyre Peninsula of Scotland, holds a unique place in the world of whisky. Once known as the “Whisky Capital of the World,” it was home to over 30 distilleries at its peak. The history of whisky production in Campbeltown can be traced back to the late 18th century. The remote location of Campbeltown with its proximity to the sea and abundant peat bogs provided an ideal environment for distillers. The area quickly became a hub for whisky production with distilleries sprouting up to meet the ever-increasing demand. By the early 19th century, Campbeltown had established itself as a prominent whisky-producing region.
Despite its flourishing whisky trade, Campbeltown faced various challenges that would ultimately lead to its decline. The economic upheaval of the late 19th century, coupled with changes in taxation and licensing laws, placed a heavy burden on distillers. Additionally, the phylloxera epidemic that devastated vineyards in Europe resulted in a surge in demand for Scotch whisky leading to overproduction. The combination of these factors along with issues related to quality control and management took a toll on Campbeltown's whisky industry. By the early 20th century, the number of distilleries had dwindled, and the region's reputation began to wane. Today, there are only three working distilleries; however, these distilleries continue to produce exceptional Scotch whisky.
Springbank Distillery: Founded in 1828, Springbank is one of Scotland’s few remaining family-owned distilleries. Its history is a testament to the resilience and dedication of the Mitchell family who have owned and operated the distillery for nearly two centuries. Despite facing numerous challenges, including fires and economic downturns, Springbank has consistently produced high quality whisky. Springbank is renowned for its traditional production methods, which include floor malting, worm tub condensers, and on-site maturation. Springbank's core range includes the following:
Springbank: This flagship expression is known for its well-balanced character, combining peat smoke with fruit and maritime notes. It offers a glimpse into the quintessential Campbeltown style.
Longrow: Longrow is the heavily peated line showcasing an intense smokiness, brine, and earthy flavors similar to Islay whiskies.
Hazelburn: Hazelburn is unpeated and triple distilled, resulting in a lighter, creamier profile with hints of vanilla and floral notes.
Springbank offers guided tours that provide insight into every stage of the whisky-making process, from malting and mashing to distillation and maturation. The tour also includes a visit to one of the few remaining traditional floor maltings in Scotland.
Glen Scotia Distillery: Glen Scotia has a history dating back to 1832. Like many Campbeltown distilleries, it has experienced periods of prosperity and decline. It was acquired by Loch Lomond Group in 2014 and since then has undergone significant renovations and improvements to its production facilities. Though it remains one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland, Glen Scotia offers a range of whiskies, both peated and unpeated, often characterized by maritime and coastal influences. While popular Campbeltown expressions like Springbank 15 and Springbank 18 are increasingly hard to come by, spirits experts like Liam Thibeault note that Glen Scotia has a lot to offer: “I do greatly enjoy the Glen Scotia 18, which is much more easy to find than the Springbanks and Glengyles of the world.”
Glengyle Distillery: Glengyle Distillery, often referred to as Kilkerran due to the name of its single malt, has one of the most fascinating stories in Campbeltown. Founded in 1872, it was closed in 1925 and remained dormant for decades. In 2000, 75 years after the last sprits were distilled, Glengyle was reborn - it was announced that the buildings had been bought by Mitchell’s Glengyle Limited, headed by Hedley Wright the great-great nephew of William Mitchell, original founder of Glengyle. Kilkerran single malt whisky is known for its adherence to traditional Campbeltown production methods. Kilkerran 12, a core expression, is known for its well-balanced character, with notes of citrus, vanilla, and a subtle maritime influence.
Campbeltown's three working distilleries - Springbank, Glen Scotia, and Glengyle - represent the essence of Scotch whisky heritage, resilience, and craftsmanship. Visiting these distilleries provides a rare opportunity to step into the past and witness the time-honored traditions that have shaped the whisky industry.
