Springside distillery

Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Thanks to an 1886 visit to the Campbeltown distillery by the historian Alfred Barnard, some information about Springside distillery is available.

That year the distillery consisted of scattered buildings around a tiny yard. There were three small granaries with maltings beneath, two peat-fired kilns, a small mash tun, six washbacks, two pot stills (wash 1,200 gallons, spirit 400) and four bonded warehouses holding 600 casks.

Back then, whisky did not legally have to mature for three years so warehouse storage could be smaller.

Mains water from Crosshills reservoir was used throughout the complex.

Annual output was small at 30,000 gallons (136,000 litres) per year, which was sold as Campbeltown malt to Glasgow and further afield for blending.

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Map
  • Region
    Campbeltown
  • Production type
    Single malt
  • Distillery Status
    Demolished

Springside History

Springside’s early history is hazy, with conflicting sources showing the distillery licensed to Colvill, Beith & Co. in 1827 but built in 1830. From 1833-52 it is not even clear whether the site was active. From 1852, Springside was operated by the Colvill family who would distil there for three generations.

Springside succumbed in the Scotch industry’s nadir years, when US Prohibition and soaring taxation on spirits drove countless distilleries to close, the majority never to re-open.

After 1926, Springside’s buildings became Co-op storage, garages, stables and later a Scottish Hydro-Electric depot.

In the 1990s, one warehouse wall with barred windows still remained, a relic of the long-lost distillery. 

Timeline

  • 1827-30 Springside is licensed to Colvill, Beith & Co.
  • 1833 The distillery is listed as operational
  • 1852 Springside is licensed to John Colvill & Co.
  • 1915 Wartime restrictions halt distilling
  • 1918 Production at Springside resumes following the end of the First World War
  • 1926 Springside finally closes, just short of its 100th anniversary

Contact

Address
Burnside Street
Campbeltown
Argyll and Bute
United Kingdom
Map

See also

  • Glen Scotia Glen Scotia Glen Scotia Distillery & brand

    Glen Scotia

    One of Scotland’s smallest distilleries.

  • Glengyle Glengyle Glengyle Distillery

    Glengyle

    Campbeltown malt distillery.

  • Springbank Springbank Springbank Distillery & brand

    Springbank

    Multi-faceted Campbeltown distillery.

  • Hazelburn Hazelburn Hazelburn Brand

    Hazelburn

    The triple-distilled single malt whisky from Campbeltown’s Springbank distillery.

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