The 2023 release of Longrow 21 Year Old matured in 65% sherry casks and 35% bourbon. In that respect it should be similar to the 2019 release for instance.
Longrow 21 yo (46%, OB 2023, Batch 23/218)
Nose: sourness up front (lemons and grilled pineapples) which makes it lighter than expected. Some blackcurrant juice. Salty sea spray, leathery notes and muchling leaves, evolving to a somewhat dirty earthiness and oily rags. Then some toffee and polished brassware, but the sherry is never taking over the character.
Mouth: nice sooty notes along with roasted nuts and ashy smoke. Pineapples, tangerines and lemons, along with burnt thyme and hints of fish oil. Just a hint of matchsticks. Cedar wood appears, with lots of salty notes. Sour cola candy and a mildly bitter herbal side, even a subtle soapy edge.
Finish: quite long, still savoury and herbal. Walnuts, citrusy notes and moist tobacco.
I like the funky sourness and the overall sherry balance, but some other notes keep me from giving a higher mark. A fine whisky but I enjoyed other batches more. Also, the 18 Years is hard to beat. Still readily available, especially in German and Dutch stores.