Longrow 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

An old Campbeltown distillery, Longrow was first distilled and re-launched at Springbank distillery in 1973. Each year the distilling equipment at Springbank is cleaned and Longrow is made for a short time, double distilled in the traditional Scottish manner from malt dried entirely over a peat fire. For lovers of the Islay styles, Longrow is amongst the peatiest whiskies available, having one of the highest phenol contents (although bottlings have been reported to vary dramatically in this respect). Its limited availability has inspired an obsessive cult following, also making it highly collectable, though consistently pricey. The Longrow malts are typically matured in both sherry and bourbon casks.

Tasting note: Bright gold. Wavers at first before the nose resolves into heavy, peat laced choc fudge with a generous dose of vanilla. Refuses to budge; almost impossible to penetrate into the malt until several minutes aeration finally releases fresh cereals, haystack and hints of orchard fruit while the smokiness momentarily retreats. Final pass finds the peat returning with a wool shed / lanolin-like accent. Wonderful complexity once you get beyond the opening stages. Entry is disarmingly soft and accesible; mid palate finds fruit and sweet peat flavours combined; delicious freshness and balance; a mildly salty flourish is rounded off with a slather of peat and some late sweetness while controlled spices carry the finish. Wow! It's been over six years since we revisited this little beauty. We won't be dallying again. This is brilliant malt. 46% Alc./Vol.