Springbank 'Local Barley' 11 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Campbeltown, Scotland

Few releases capture the essence of place quite like Springbank’s 'Local Barley' series. This 11-Year-Old expression is a true Campbeltown malt, made exclusively with Bere barley from Aros Farm, just a stone’s throw from the distillery. Every step of the process—from floor malting to distillation, maturation, and bottling—takes place at Springbank, making this whisky a singular representation of terroir. Aged in 100% ex-bourbon casks and bottled at a robust 53.1% ABV, it offers an unfiltered, full-bodied taste of tradition with a deeply mineral, maritime character that fans of the distillery revere.

Whisky Details

• Region: Campbeltown, Scotland
• Distillery: Springbank
• Series: Local Barley
• Malt Type: Single Malt
• Age: 11 Years (Distilled 2006, Bottled 2017)
• Cask Type: 100% Ex-Bourbon
• ABV: 53.1%
• Size: 700ml
• Barley Source: Bere barley from Aros Farm
• Bottles Produced: 9,000

Tasting Notes

From the first pour, the aroma lifts effortlessly from the glass, offering layers of bright marmalade and wild honey, laced with a mineral sharpness that calls to mind wet slate after a fresh rain. Beneath that initial sweetness lies something deeper—freshly baked barley bread, a whisper of salted caramel, and the sun-warmed scent of dried bananas. It’s an inviting start, but what follows on the palate is even more intriguing.

The first sip brings an unexpected creaminess, coating the tongue with flavors of golden grapes and vanilla custard, balanced by a honeyed sweetness that recalls crisp honeycomb and toasted marshmallow. Just as the richness begins to settle, the whisky reveals a more savory side—salted popcorn and a delicate thread of licorice, with an ever-present hint of earthy peat that lingers in the background rather than taking center stage. It’s a whisky of shifting textures, where softness and intensity trade places in perfect rhythm.

The finish is long, unfolding slowly with a nutty richness and buttery depth that seem to stretch on indefinitely. Just as it fades, a final flicker of Campbeltown salinity emerges—a briny, mineral whisper that leaves you craving another sip.

Distillery Background

Springbank is a legendary name in whisky, standing as one of the last independent distilleries in Campbeltown—once Scotland’s whisky capital. Family-owned since 1828, Springbank is the only Scottish distillery to complete every step of production on-site, from malting its own barley to bottling its whisky, a rarity in today’s industry. Their commitment to traditional methods—including floor malting, long fermentation, and direct-fired distillation—results in whiskies of unparalleled depth and complexity.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this neat at room temperature, or add a few drops of water to soften the ABV and bring out additional layers of fruit and spice. A perfect dram to sip slowly on a quiet evening, it also pairs beautifully with aged cheddar, smoked seafood, or roasted nuts.

Availability & Collectibility

The ‘Local Barley’ series is one of Springbank’s most anticipated annual releases, and with only 9,000 bottles produced, this 11-Year-Old is highly sought-after. If you’re lucky enough to find a bottle, know that you’re holding a true piece of Campbeltown’s whisky heritage—one worth savoring.