Today, it's hard to believe that the sleepy coastal town of Campbeltown was once one of the most important places in the world for whisky production. The heyday of Campbeltown whisky may be over, but the remaining whiskies are all the more sought-after today. Campbeltown as a whisky region covers the Kintyre peninsula in south-west Scotland. However, all three whisky distilleries currently producing whisky are located in Campbeltown itself. Above all, Springbank is the holy grail for many whisky lovers worldwide. The single malts produced there Hazelburn (triple-distilled and non-smoky), Springbank (two-and-a-half-distilled and slightly smoky) and Longrow (double-distilled and heavily smoky) are coveted items for whisky fans. The Glengyle Distillery, newly opened in 2004, with its Kilkerran single malt is also under the management of Springbank. First-class artisan single malt Scotch whiskies are also produced here. Glen Scotia is the third active distillery in Campbeltown. Here you will find non-smoky whisky and heavily peated varieties. The best thing to do is to pick up the Tasting Selection Campeltown Whisky and try the different whiskies from this exciting little region for yourself!

There were only three...

An official whisky region made up of just one place? A place where there are only three distilleries at all? This works out. And for historical reasons. The town of Campbeltown in the south of the Kintyre Peninsula was one of the most important centers of the Scottish whisky industry around 1900. It proudly called itself the “whisky capital of the world” when around 30 distilleries were based here at its peak.

But then things went downhill for the town that was called Kinlochkilkerran until the 17th century.

When the local coal mine was completely exhausted, whisky production became too expensive. The city received its final death knell from American Prohibition. With the alcohol ban in the USA from 1920 to 1933, the most important export market collapsed. One whisky distillery after the other had to close - until finally only two were left: Glen Scotia and Springbank. Glengyle was revived by Springbank in 2004 after being dormant for decades. Anyway, a ray of light. The excellent single malt from Glengyle was named after the old town name because of problems with the naming rights: Kilkerran.

How does Campbeltown whisky taste?

Campbeltown has a distinctive malty and maritime character. If you have Campbeltown in your glass, you will usually be greeted by a breeze of sea air. All three distilleries produce heavily peated Scotch whiskies as well as lightly smoked single malts. However, most Glen Scotia is not smoky, sweet, spicy and full-bodied. Springbank produces three brands of whisky, based on closed Campbeltown distilleries. The triple distilled Hazelburn is the lightest of the Campbeltown whiskies, malty sweet and fruity. The Springbank whiskies are medium peated and slightly smoky, with maritime notes and a full body. The heavily peated Longrow is a real insider tip for fans of Islay Whiskies. With its heavy peat smoke and powerful maritime flavors, it's ready to step into the ring with Islay's neighbors. Interesting to compare how single malt whiskys from the same distillery differ. Have lots of fun with it.

Tasting Tips: Campbeltown Classics...

The great Campbeltown malt is Springbank. Many single malt friends count it among their absolute favourites. Old Springbank bottlings fetch record prices. Rightly so. Because the complex, slightly smoky single malt from the distillery of the same name is powerful, spicy and yet elegant.

Campbeltown Insider Tips:

Fans of smoky whiskys shouldn't miss Longrow. The smoky Kilkerran Single Malts are also an absolute recommendation. Glen Scotia also flies under the radar of many whisky fans. You will also find excellent single malts here. Basically, it's pretty simple: if it's from Campbeltown, we can recommend it!