Springbank 11 Year Old Local Barley – A Campbeltown Masterpiece of Terroir and Tradition
Springbank 11 year old. If you’re a whisky lover seeking authenticity, depth, and a true sense of place, then the Springbank 11 Year Old Local Barley deserves your attention. As the second release in Springbank’s revered Local Barle
y series, this expression embodies what Scotch whisky aficionados cherish most: traditional methods, regional character, and barley provenance.
Crafted using Bere barley grown on Aros Farm in the Kintyre Peninsula, this single malt is a bold statement of terroir-driven whisky. Double distilled at the historic Springbank Distillery—one of the last operational distilleries in Campbeltown—and matured exclusively in ex-bourbon casks, this 11-year-old whisky is bottled at a natural cask strength of 53.1% ABV, offering a robust, unadulterated tasting experience.
Why Springbank Local Barley Matters
While the market is full of good whisky, Springbank’s Local Barley series stands apart for its commitment to traditional craftsmanship. In fact, Spring
bank is one of only two distilleries in Scotland to carry out 100% of the whisky-making process on site—from malting the barley to bottling the final spirit. This rare, holistic approach infuses each bottle with a singular quality and unmistakable depth.
Moreover, the Springbank 11 Year Old isn’t just another single malt; it’s a celebration of heritage and soil. Each bottle tells a story of Scottish agriculture, local barley, and time-honored distilling techniques that have nearly vanished elsewhere in the industry.
Tasting Notes: What to Expect
Nose
The first aromas are sweet and bready, leading with honeyed malt, biscuit, and a touch of lemon zest. As it breathes, you’ll detect orchard fruits, vanilla pod, and toasted coconut, layered over a gentle sea breeze.
Palate
Full-bodied and complex. It begins with creamy vanilla, moving into waves of butterscotch, toasted oak, and a hint of salinity. The light peat smoke is perfectly integrated, never overwhelming, and balanced with flavors of pear, almond, and subtle spice.
Finish
Long and satisfying, with notes of oak char, cracked black pepper, and barley sugar lingering alongside a gentle maritime touch.
Key Highlights
- Distillery: Springbank
- Region: Campbeltown, Scotland
- Age: 11 Years
- Cask Type: Ex-bourbon
- Barley Origin: Bere barley from Aros Farm
- ABV: 53.1% (Cask Strength)
- Bottle Size: 70cl
- Bottles Released: 9,000
- Production: On-site from malting to
- bottling
- Distillery Status: Operational
Why This Springbank 11 Year Old Stands Out
Springbank whiskies are already celebrated for their complexity, but the Local Barley series elevates that complexity by focusing on hyper-local ingredients. This expression, in particular, showcases Bere barley—a hardy, ancient grain rarely used in commercial whisky production—offering a distinct flavor profile that’s both earthy and subtly spicy.
Unlike mass-produced single malts, this Campbeltown Scotch has personality. It’s slightly peated, undeniably maritime, and deeply connected to the land it comes from. It’s a whisky that rewards slow sipping and reflection.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or someone simply curious about regional whiskies, the Springbank 11 Year Old is a bottle worth adding to your shelf.
Food Pairing Suggestions
- Mature cheddar or gruyère
- Chargrilled seafood like scallops or smoked salmon
- Salted dark chocolate
- Nut-based desserts, especially almo
- nd tart or hazelnut praline
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Local Barley series unique?
Springbank grows and malts local barley specifically for this series. This practice revives traditional Scotch methods and reflects the regional soil and climate of Campbeltown.
Is this release peated?
Yes, but only lightly. The peat smoke adds depth without dominating the flavor profile.
How many bottles of Springbank 11 Year Old were produced?
Only 9,000 bottles were released, making it a limited-edition collectible whisky.
What is the strength of this whisky?
It is bottled at a natural cask strength of 53.1% ABV, giving it bold flavor and texture.
How does it compare to other Springbank expressions?
While the standard Springbank 10 Year Old is a great daily dram, the 11 Year Old Local Barley brings a richer, more terroir-focused experience thanks to the specific use of Bere barley and ex-bourbon cask maturation.
explore more of our collections;
for more info visit :
- Springbank Official Website – Local Barley Series
- Learn More About Campbeltown Whiskies – Whisky Advocate
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