Fans of heavily peated single malts are always happy when Longrow is in town! Matured in a combo of bourbon and sherry casks, this double distilled expression is a classic offering from Campeltown's Springbank distillery.
Salt and a leathery smokiness come to the fore in a maritime combination, like a Harbourmaster's Jacket.
Light and sweet with notes of green grapes and rhubarb, a great contrast to the nose. Then comes a big blast of smoke.
That salty smokiness returns from the nose providing a deeply satisfying ending.
A great entry-level offering from Longrow perfect for Islay fans looking for something a bit different.
Despite being a Scot, I was never a great whisky fan until I drank this Longrow. Absolutely stunning! Complex and interesting. Also since the distillary is still independent and not run by a multinational monster each batch is slightly different, and there are changes after opening ovre time. My favourit whisky.
Springbank 12 c/s is my benchmark so I hesitated before buying the longrow peated - after all £40 is a lot for a NAS vatted malt. I've got to say its excellent! slight haze with a teaspoon of water, very light nose, a bit hot (youth?) at first sip and then it unrolls with complex flavours. Very little peat, but well balanced (why is it described as 'heavily peated' because it isn't). Definite would buy again, I just wish they sold a 12 y/o Longrow c/s instead of this youthful number.
I really want to like this but it's just too young and harsh for me. A little water helps but for an NAS malt that tastes this young I think it's overrated.
Quite decent, and the tasting notes are for the most part accurate. This whiskey is rather light in body and somewhat herbal/aromatic, along with a fair bit of grainy buttery sort of sweetness. The peat/smoke is mild on the nose, mostly absent in the arrival, but after a few seconds in the mouth it really pops. There is another note somewhere between lavender and leather that I've seen some reviewers note is "plasticky", and I can see how one might interpret it that way, but in general I think it isn't a negative point. This whisky tastes just a little hot and young, needs a touch of water. I emailed Springbank and was told that this bottling is a mixture of 7, 10, and 14 year old bourbon-matured stuff, and the heat leads me to suspect that the 7 year old might be in the majority here. With a teaspoon of water and a little time it calms down just fine, though.
This is the best non-islay peated malt. Distilled by Springbank in Campbeltown. 46% abv, no artificial colour, non-chill filtered. What's not to like? This is a delightful dram. Strong, but not overpowering. Opens up nicely with a little water. I will by buying again.
