Longrow Peated

Tasting Notes

Evan’s Tasting Note

Nose: Full of dirty smoke and oily coastal notes, countered with of fresh grains and orchard fruit. Like standing on the deck of an old ferry as the engines throttle into full reverse as it slows down to dock, churning the seawater and coughing up exhaust fumes along with bits of rust. Underneath is fresh oatmeal, grapefruit slices, peeled apples, and menthol.

Palate: Salty and oily up front before it settles into fruit and grain mixed with turf and smoke. A platter of cantaloupe and honeydew melon and grape bunches sitting next to thinly sliced Parma ham and Mortadella, with a few capers tossed in for garnish.

Finish: Soft coastal smoke along with light fruit and floral notes on the fade.

Comment: What more is there to say? This is a damn good bottle of Longrow, even given that it probably mostly young whisky in here.

Andrew's Tasting Note (Batch 23/236 Bottled: 14/11/23)

Nose: smoky, malty, and funky with a touch of grape-y spirits; juicy malt, firm earthy smoke, and a hint of coastal sandy beaches after a storm; creamy vanilla, butterscotch, and crumbly cheddar; the sherry has added some grape-y tones, reminiscent or grappa or young cognac; a touch tarry with firm leather and tobacco; the fruits are ambiguous, but lush.

Palate: creamy, malty, and smoky with fruit and funk; very barley forward, with chewy malt, and less smoky than I had anticipated; there is a soft sweet background of vanilla and butterscotch, on top of which the sherry is lazily dozing; still grape-y, though more in the cognac realm than grappa; it is rather farm-y though, in the best possible way with more crumbly aged cheddar; the body is oily and peaty with that old school Springbank mouthfeel.

Finish: light, fresh, and malty, at least for a Longrow; more sweet vanilla, gently tarred-oily peat, and a burst of juicy orange.

Comment: this is a lovely bottling of Longrow, and nothing like I remember it, though to be fair its been years since I've tried it; it also doesn't at all drink like a young NAS whisky, it drinks like something older; you should probably treat yourself to one while they last!

Producer Tasting Note

Nose: Very creamy, vanilla custard. The smoke develops gradually, rather than overpowering the other aromas present. Toasted marshmallows, herbs and rich fruits appear over time.

Palate: Incredibly well balanced; rich and creamy with a slight medicinal hint. The smoke is always present, washing over the palate in waves, like the soft billows of smoke from the Kiln.

Finish: The gentle smoke lingers and lingers leaving you yearning for more.