The Campbeltown region

The Campbeltown region. 🥃 It’s tiny. In fact, it’s the smallest of the 5 Scotch whisky producing regions, but once a thriving hub of Scotch whisky production.

Where is Campbeltown?

The Campbeltown region is located by the Campbeltown Loch on the remote Kintyre peninsula of western Scotland.

How many distilleries belong in the Campbeltown region?

Three.

Sorry, three?

Yes, you read that correctly. They are Springbank, Glen Scotia and Glengyle.

Why is the Campbeltown region so small?

It once was a thriving region of whisky production with more than 30 distilleries in the area.

However, the effects of WW1 and WW2 as well as the American prohibition took its toll on the region and distilleries struggled to continue. For many years, the region’s distilleries amounted to just two – Glen Scotia and Springbank - but in November 2000 Glengyle (which had originally closed in 1925) re-opened its doors, producing whisky under the name of Kilkerrin.

Are any other distilleries set to open?

Yes, Witchburn Distillery, Dal Riata Distillery, and The Machrihanish Distillery are set to open in the coming years.

Does Campbeltown whisky have a particular flavour profile?

Not really. It produces whisky that encompasses many different flavour profiles from fruit to spice and even a bit of smokiness.

Can I visit?

Definitely. In fact, it’s a great region to visit. A visit to one of the distilleries is like stepping back in time 150 years, as little has changed in terms of production methods since then. In fact, Springbank even has a malting floor, which is a very rare thing these days.

Any festivals I should know about?

Yes, every year in May the town hosts the Campbeltown Malts Festival where the distilleries, and Cadenhead (Scotland’s oldest independent bottler) throw open their doors for tours, masterclasses, live music and special bottlings.

Are you a fan of Campbeltown whisky? Have you visited before? Let me know in the comments.

#whisky #scotchwhisky #scotland