Springbank is doubtlessly one of Scotland’s greatest distilleries, with an enviable reputation amongst whisky drinkers. The distillery remains family owned, and is one of three flying the flag for Campbeltown whisky. Such is its popularity, that independently bottled whisky from this distillery is increasingly rare, which makes this bottling even more exciting. Rest & Be Thankful are a recent addition to the independent bottling scene. The company take their name from a stone placed at the end of a road which runs alongside Loch Fyne, which invites weary travelers to take a break from their arduous journey.
This whisky is a single barrel release of Springbank, which was laid down in 1990, before being bottled in 2016. It has been entirely matured in a former Bourbon cask, and there was an outturn of just 267 bottlings. On the nose this dram opens with a lovely, creamy vanilla custard note, accompanied with earthy brine, a little peat smoke, toffee and toasted woodspice. The palate is bready and full, with flavours of raspberry and strawberry jam, salted caramel, earthy smoke, overripe bananas, vanilla essence and chewy toffee. The finish is long and lingering, with fantastic bright oak, warming woodspice and smoke lasting for some time. A beautiful whisky that demonstrates the quality of Springbank’s spirit, benefitting considerably from being bottled at a cask strength of 48.9% ABV. With so few bottles available, drinkers should move fast if they want to try this lovely dram.