Of all the drams I tasted at my friend Rob Martin's house, this was my favorite - a really rich, interesting, layered spirit. Aged in specially selected American oak (ex-bourbon), bottled at 46% ABV, with no chill filtration and unknown coloring.
Nose: Slightly muted, but even at first you get warm caramel, beeswax, cinnamon, a bit of vanilla cake, and freshly cut grass. A splash of water doesn't change this much.
Mouthfeel: A little thin, but still a bit chewy.
Palate: A little smoke, a certain meaty note, brown sugar, butter, apple slices dipped in cinnamon, apricots (?), and that unique Campbeltown funk that contains oil, ash, and some indefinable qualities. White pepper transitions to the finish.
Finish: Oak, a little motor oil, and a little dirty smoke. Some dried fruit underneath it all, as well. Medium-short.
Verdict: I still find myself liking this quite a bit - each nosing and sipping results in a little more than before. One of the better 15 year expressions out there, this probably does a pretty good job introducing first-timers to the ways of Campbeltown, during times when Springbank might not be a good entry-level offering.
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