Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky

This region benefited from its remoteness during the late 18th century. Barley and peat were readily available there and so the locals took spirit distillation enthusiastically. They were deemed to be 'mad enough to convert their bread into poison' according to some accounts. By 1794 it was believed that some 22 illicit distilleries operated in Campbeltown alone.

Prior to the enactment of the Excise Act (1823) there were only 3 legal distilleries. Their spirit was sought after by blenders and the public in Glasgow. By 1824, 25 distilleries were in operation. Most of the spirit was being sent to England, Glasgow and Ireland. By 1887 Campbeltown had earned its nickname: 'whisky city'.

The region's proximity to Glasgow ceased to be an advantage as the 19th century went on. The railway connected the Northern distilleries with the Lowlands and blenders favoured the delicate, elegant and fragrant whiskies from the Speyside. Being a day's trip by boat to an important center of blending became a disadvantage.

Few distilleries survived that state of affairs at the turn of the 20th century. The Great Depression in the 1920's decimated the region and only three distilleries survived. While it is true that bootleggers helped the region in a massive way at the beginning of the depression, this excessive demand woke the greed of distillers in the region. Low quality spirit was being put into poor quality barrels and even herring barrels were being used to store whisky.

Today, three distilleries operate in Campbeltown: Glen Scotia, Kilkerran and Springbank. Each distillery produces different styles. Browse our collection and discover the vast array of flavours from this region.