Longrow Burgundy Wood 14 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

This is another wine cask finish under the Longrow label. 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.

This limited edition was finished for 3 years in a fresh Burgundy Cask from France's famous wine region after 11 years in refill Bourbon Cask.

Distilled Feb 1997. Bottled Oct 2011. 7800 bottles produced.

Tasting notes: Deep amber with a gold ochre hue. The usual in-your-face Longrow nose seems softened by the wine. Flat and muted at first, this changeling bouquet is difficult to nail; there’s initial suggestions of damp cedar. Brief aeration builds the aromas big-time as sooty peat infuses dried berries and blueberry chocolate. The second pass highlights thick malt, raisins and cedar wood. Minutes later reveals sweeter depths with buttered fruit toast and vanilla. Densely packed in the mouth yet with a beautifully poised choc-cherry and sweet malt delivery, becoming gently bittersweet as tongue nipping spices enter. What length! Finish continues to excite being wine like in texture with super fine tannins and a powerhouse aftertaste that just doesn't give up. Re-tasting found indecision on the overall balance, which wasn't surprising - this whisky is not easy to navigate. Still, an amazing effort by any stretch. 56.1% Alc./Vol.