Longrow Red Cabernet Sauvignon Cask 11 Year Old Cask Strength 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. This limited edition was finished in a Cabernet Cask from Angoves Winery in South Australia.

Tasting note: Deep polished copper appearance. Terrific lift although an unusual nose, exhibiting subtle sweet berry / cherry notes amongst the cocoa, boot polish and old leather - however the subtleties are almost lost amongst the wafts of peat. The palate fuses peat with spicy mince fruit pie flavours, the concentrated, gently bittersweet delivery offers a plush, creamy texture, concluding robust, dry and super long with old liquorice at the fade. Seems to focus more on the peat than the wood derived flavours. No doubting this is a Longrow. 52.1% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... This 11 year old bottling of Longrow from Springbank distillery was matured for seven years in refill bourbon casks before being filled into cabernet sauvignon hogsheads for a final four years. 9,000 bottles are available. The nose offers buttery smoked haddock, coal tar soap, citrus fruit, and new leather, with background notes of soft peat. Mouth coating, with rich peat on the palate, plus fruity spice and developing licorice notes. Long in the finish, with persistent peat smoke and, finally, red currants. 52.1% Alc./Vol. 88 points
www.maltadvocate.com, (Vol. 21, #4) Reviewed by: Gavin Smithsize>