Review: The new Longrow 18 yr. old
March 4th, 2008Today I received a sample of the new Longrow 18 yr. old sent to me by the Springbank distillery. It’s the first 18 yr. old Longrow since the Legendary 1973 and 1974 vintages, which I love so much and still have in my possession. I wasted not time to open it up, taste it, and review it. It’s coming to the U.S. in about a month, and there are only 120 bottles for the U.S. (Hint: start making your inquiries now to get a bottle.)
Longrow 18 yr, 46%, $280
Straw-honey color. Light to medium weight, with a slightly oily texture. Shy on the nose, but makes up for it on the finish. Fresh brine, toasted coconut, bright citrus fruit and subtle mint on a bed of vanilla cream and honeyed malt. The peat smoke is restrained on the nose but is more assertive on the palate, and it really kicks in on the finish, which is briny, smoky, appetizing and long. The best Longrow since the 1974 vintage. If it would only open up a little more on the nose it would challenge the best from ’73 and ‘74. Still, it’s very impressive.
Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 93
