In the world of whisky, Campbeltown holds a venerable position, once known as the "whisky capital of the world", with over 30 distilleries during its peak in the 19th century. Today, Campbeltown’s production may be on a smaller scale with just a handful of producers, but its single malt Scotch whisky maintains an aura of exclusivity and reverence among connoisseurs. Drinks by the Dram taps into this esteemed heritage by offering 3cl samples of Campbeltown’s liquid gold, providing a portal to taste this region's rarefied spirits.
These sample bottles encapsulate the essence of Campbeltown. Known for its distinctive maritime character, the whiskies from this region carry the brine of the sea with a subtle, underlying sweetness reminiscent of the old docks and shipyards. The samples often include expressions with a smoky profile, imparted from peat, that's less pronounced than their Islay cousins, creating a balance between earthiness and the unique minerality that is Campbeltown’s hallmark.
The geography of the region itself plays into the flavour, with the Mull of Kintyre jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean and encircling Campbeltown Loch. It's this geographic isolation that has allowed the region's distinct whisky-making style to flourish. The limited number of distilleries, including Springbank, Glen Scotia, and Glengyle, means that each dram from Drinks by the Dram's selection is a snapshot of a small but mighty whisky-making tradition.
Each 3cl sample is a journey into the world of Campbeltown, offering a spectrum of ages and cask types. From younger, vibrant spirits that speak to the brashness of the sea to older, more nuanced drams that have mellowed with time, absorbing the quietude of the storied ageing warehouses, there’s a narrative in every sip. These are whiskies that command attention, often revealing layers of complexity with notes of dried fruit, vanilla, sea spray, and a wisp of smoke.