Hand Filled Distillery Exclusives from Campbeltown
The distillery exclusive bottlings at Springbank Distillery are something really special, if you compare to offers from other distilleries. In the visitor shop, you cannot miss a few big glass demijohns with a tap and a sign on it. Here you can taste and draw your own stuff, and that is a delight to do. If the glass bottles show even the slightest signs of lowering the fill-level, one of the staff members sneaks out into what I would describe as heaven, comes back out with some fresh bottles and simply fills up the demijohns from the top. How is that for a solera inspired system!? I bought some of my own bottles in January 2023, 2024 and 2025, and they never disappoint. For the tasting notes of today, I participated in a sample share. In the shop, you will find expressions from Springbank, Hazelburn and Longrow, and also a source for the Glengyle produced Kilkerran.
Hazelburn Hand Filled Distillery Exclusive, 13 May 2024, bottled at 55,7 % abv
First things first: It is silly of course to make a Whiskybase entry for a Hand Filled Exclusive from the Springbank Distillery, since these bottles changes almost every day or week. But here we are. We know nothing more than that this came from a Hazelburn mix that was bottled in May 2024.
Upon Sipping: Quite complex on fruity and woody notes, with peaches and mango dominating. Take a sip and you know this is a triple distilled product that bears close resemblance to an Irish pot still whiskey. Very fruity with the sweeter ones being prevalent. There is a slight cloak of alcohol hotness hiding even more goodies, so we will grab the water bottle straight away. The nosing becomes even more pleasant, quieted down so to say, now with more vanilla and limestone. These stills are located in Campbeltown, not Ireland, that much is clear. More tangerine on the palate now, and a hint of IRN BRU fizziness. Lovely, fruity finish. Very clean and delightful dram.
Word to the Wise: Hazelburn remains the hidden gem stone in the Springbank jewellery box.
Score: 87 points.
Kilkerran Hand Filled Distillery Exclusive, 24 May 2024, bottled at 58,2 % abv
First things first: Same remarks as at the Hazelburn, except this one was distilled at Glengyle.
Upon Sipping: More limestone but in general also riddled with a good dose of fruit, as if this bottle was hidden between boxes of oranges and tangerines when it was transported to my glass. But also a whiff of dustiness. On the palate, the liquid is surprisingly similar to the Hazelburn, but with a lot more spices from whatever wood this Kilkerran has seen on the way to the demijohn. The sweetness of it makes for a nice contrast with the more serious tones. Only the afterburn on the finish is a bit (too) rough, but with a drop of water that is all evened out.
Word to the Wise: Another nice Exclusive here, but you need to like a dash of bitterness.
Score: 84 points.
Longrow Hand Filled Distillery Exclusive, 13 May 2024, bottled at 54,7 % abv
First things first: Same remarks as above.
Upon Sipping: Quite dark in appearance, so some exotic casks must have been part of the mix here. I pick up lots of unusual fragrances that could come from anything, like wine casks and sherry butts. Underneath that, we find a lingering sweetened peat nose. Here we find a sweetness too, but this time it comes very clearly from the casks that this Longrow has seen. People who loved the regular Longrow Red series, will be very pleased with this Distillery Exclusive. The peat is too much subdued for me to really shine, so this Longrow has some flaws. With water we win some farmy notes however, that are very nice. The taste turns even sweeter, making me think of madeira wine. The peat is still too much dialled back to make a lasting impression.
Word to the Wise: A solid offering but not without some shortcomings. Taste before you buy. The shop personnel will always allow that, is my experience.
Score: 81 points.
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