A few years ago, the Malt Nuts did a crazy vertical of Longrow 18 Years and I’m finally posting the review of my bottle from that night… and killing it off in the process. Do you sense a theme in these recent posts? Beyond it all being Springbank distilled stuff that is.
As I was packing up for the move from LA to DC I looked at all of my open, and somewhat drained, whiskies and put together a hit list of whiskies to kill and, finally, review. One of the biggest runs I put together was Springbank. I guess it’s a distillery I have a hard killing off bottles from and letting go.
But as with all good things, like a cabin in the woods of Lake Arrowhead, these too must come to an end. So let’s get to drinkin’!
Longrow 18 Years – Details and Tasting Notes
Whiskey Details
Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color
Style: Single Malt (Scotch)
Region: Campbeltown, Scotland
Distiller: Springbank
Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask: ex-Sherry (60%), ex-Bourbon (30%), ex-Chardonnay (10%)
Age: 18 Years
ABV: 46%
Batch: 2015
Longrow 18 Years Price: $250
Related Whiskey
Longrow Campbeltown Single Malt
1993 The Bottlers Springbank 16 Years
1995 Sovereign Springbank 22 Years
Glen Scotia Rum Cask Finish – Campbeltown Festival 2019
Samaroli Glen Scotia 1992
Longrow 18 Years Tasting Notes
EYE
Amberish hay
NOSE
Banana chips, Nilla Wafers, toasted nuts, strawberry shortcake, and some slight oak, earth and smokiness.
Quite light on the smoke, not nearly as peaty/smoky as some of the other Longrows I’ve had.
PALATE
Strawberry cheesecake, earthy graham, cocoa, roasted nuts, smoke, creamy vanilla, dried orchard fruit, citrus and malty sweetness with a touch of citrus and baking spice.
Earthy malty and dessert sweet, the palate is denser and more complex than the aroma.
FINISH
Long -> Smoke, strawberry cheesecake, baking spice and nuts fade to smoked Nilla Wafers.
BALANCE, BODY and FEEL
Great balance, medium-full body and a soft velvety feel.
Longrow 18 Years – Overall Thoughts and Score
Funky, dessert-sweet, fruity, earthy, this thing has it all. It’s not super deep, the flavors aren’t decadently rich and heavy, but it is complex and multi-faceted with a warm velvety delivery. This is something unique, something tasty and fun… I like it. A lot.
Obviously, something like the Longrow 18 Years isn’t a daily dram for most of us, myself included, but when you get to sit, sip, and enjoy something like this, it’s a special moment. It’s one you take your time with and savor the passing seconds.
SCORE: 4.5/5 (very good, highly recommended ~ A- | 90-93)
Longrow 18 Years Review $250
Overall
4.5- Nose (4.5)
- Palate (4.5)
- Finish (4.5)
- BBF (4.5)
User Review
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