This Week

• Spotlight On - Campbeltown

• Trivia Question

• Cocktail Corner - The Sea Breeze

• Trivia Answer

Spotlight On - Campbeltown

I fell in love with Campbeltown whiskies just a few years ago when a friend poured me a dram of Glen Scotia Double Cask. It was love at first sip. I may be late to the party, but what a party it is!

Once upon a time, nestled on the windswept shores of the Kintyre Peninsula, Campbeltown reigned supreme as the whisky capital of the world. With over 30 distilleries dotting its landscape in the 19th century, it was a bustling hub of whisky craftsmanship.

But as time marched on, only a handful of distilleries remained standing, like resilient sentinels guarding the spirit of Campbeltown's whisky-making heritage. Glen Scotia, with its time-honored traditions and soul-stirring flavors, stands as a testament to this legacy. From the salty tang of the sea breeze to the subtle whispers of peat, each sip is a journey through Campbeltown's rugged terrain.

Then there's Springbank, a name synonymous with quality and craftsmanship. With its range of expressions, from lightly peated to heavily peated, there's something for every whisky adventurer. And let's not forget Longrow, with its bold, smoky character, and Hazelburn, offering a lighter, more delicate taste.

And who could overlook Kilkerran, the phoenix risen from the ashes? After a hiatus, it emerged in 2004, breathing new life into Campbeltown's whisky scene. With its fruity, floral notes and hints of peat, it's a testament to the region's resilience and passion for whisky-making.

Campbeltown whiskies embody tradition and terroir, reflecting the maritime influence with a briny, salty tang and a rich history. These distilleries offer diverse flavors, from fruity to smoky, capturing the essence of Scotland's rugged coastline. It's this blend of craftsmanship, heritage, and flavor that sets Campbeltown whiskies apart, making each dram a unique experience. Cheers to Campbeltown, where whisky meets the sea with character and charm!

Cocktail Corner
The Sea Breeze

The refreshing Sea Breeze pays homage to the maritime character and rich flavors of Campbeltown.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Campbeltown whisky (such as Glen Scotia or Springbank)

• 1 oz fresh lemon juice

• 0.5 oz honey syrup (1:1 ratio of honey to water)

• 2 dashes of aromatic bitters

• Ice cubes

• Lemon twist, for garnish

• Sea salt, for rimming (optional, but recommended)

Let’s make it!

1. Rim a rocks glass with sea salt, if desired, for an extra hint of maritime flavor. To do this, run a lemon wedge around the rim of the glass, then dip it into a small plate of sea salt.

2. Fill the glass with ice cubes to chill.

3. In a cocktail shaker, combine the Campbeltown whisky, fresh lemon juice, honey syrup, and aromatic bitters.

4. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to chill the mixture.

5. Strain the cocktail into the prepared rocks glass over fresh ice.

6. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel, expressing the oils over the drink before dropping it in.

7. Give it a gentle stir to incorporate the flavors.

8. Savor the marriage of Campbeltown whisky's maritime influence with the refreshing citrus and honey notes!

The Sea Breeze highlights the briny, salty character of Campbeltown whiskies while balancing it with the bright acidity of fresh lemon juice and the sweetness of honey syrup. The aromatic bitters add depth and complexity. Enjoy!

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