Longrow 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.

Longrow 18 year old represents one of the rarer offerings from this tiny artisan distillery. Ever since 1973, a run of twice distilled peated malt has been produced at Springbank (Springbank itself is two and a half times distilled). Named after an earlier distillery in Campbeltown, Longrow's creation was prompted by a whisky shortage. According to Serge Valentin, it shares parallels with Tobermory’s Ledaig and Clynelish’s Brora. All were created because Islay whisky was in short supply after severe droughts in the late 1960s, and because of the temporary closure of Caol Ila.

Longrow has always been up there with some of the peatiest whiskies available, having phenol levels matching the likes of Ardbeg. Typically matured in both sherry and bourbon casks, for many whisky lovers, it's also the best non-Islay peated malt on the market - probably because it's not just about smoke. It also retains some of Campeltown's coastal character for added interest. This is a serious whisky that will find a narrow audience with equally serious collectors.

Other Reviews....
The smoke comes in almost as an afterthought: most un-Longrow like; attractively farmyardy and agricultural. Sharp raspberry jam mingles with the barley and a puff of something more hickory-like than peat. Long, gentle oils, an indistinct fruit element returns but more barley sugar now and a denouement of vanilla and natural fudgy caramels. Determined to hide its light under a bushel...but fails. The most subtle and sophisticated Longrow I've come across in 20 years...46%
94 points
Jim Murray's 2009 Whisky Bible.

If you gently peat a blend of ulmo, manuka and heather honey you might end up with something as breathtakingly stunning as this. But you probably won't.
94.5 points
Jim Murray's 2019 Whisky Bible.