While going through the 2021 releases from Springbank, I started with Longrow because it seemed such a long time since I had it. I’m trying the base expression called Longrow Peated as well as the mature Longrow 18 Year Old.
For me Longrow 18 one of the most unique whiskies, with just the right amount of peat smoke for my taste. I also noticed the last time I reviewed it was in 2015, so about time I revisited it! This year the recipe was 30% bourbon casks, 60% sherry and 10%… Chardonnay.
Longrow Peated (46%, OB 2021, 21/112)
Nose: youngish but all the necessary elements are there. Chalky notes, wet dogs, hints of menthol and TCP. Sooty peat with a raw malty side and acrid smoke. Lemons and sunflower oil in the background.
Mouth: a tad aggressive, with lots of salty notes, smoked lemons, white pepper and seaweed. Punchy, slightly high-pitched peat with a big medicinal side. Plenty of mineral notes and vegetal oils.
Finish: long, mineral, with a tingling salty note.
The equivalent of these NAS or 8 year-old expressions that Islay is selling these days. High quality and good value for money, but it’s slightly harsh and for me something is lacking in terms of depth and elegance. Something that we’ll probably find in the 18 year-old…? Contrary to the older versions, this is usually easy to get from The Whisky Exchange or other retailers.
Longrow 18 yo (46%, OB 2021, 21/132)
Nose: subtle sooty notes, with mulching leaves, gingerbread, old metal tools and tobacco. Worn leather, mud, linseed oil. Dusty blankets. Empty espresso cups. There’s a sweet layer in the background, which is vaguely fruity (raisins, baked apple) but it never really comes to the fore. Rather excellent.
Mouth: oily, with none of the astringency of the Longrow Peated, showing more of that sweet tobacco, with hints of maple and chocolate, warm ashes, walnuts and mineral oils. Really earthy. Salted toffee, crushed peppercorns and metal polish. There’s a meaty and winey side towards in the end, with dry leather and a slightly tannic note, but I think it fits this earthy profile – it’s a common combination in Port Charlotte for instance.
Finish: long, on dark brew tea, ink, toffee, cloves and ashes.
Longrow 18 is always a favourite, it takes the common Longrow profile and adds maturity and balance. The 2021 release doesn’t disappoint, but the winey / leathery side is a little louder this year. Still available from The Bonding Dram for instance – where I could also buy a sample set of all the recent Springbank releases, thanks for making that available, Jeroen!
Score: 89/100