Longrow Peated

Longrow Peated | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

  • Origin: Springbank Distillery, Campbeltown.
  • Type: Peated Whisky.
  • Distillation Process: Double distilled.
  • Maturation Process: Not explicitly mentioned, but has a bourbon character, suggesting aging in bourbon casks.
  • Age Statement: Non-age statement, estimated around 7 years by the reviewer.
  • Color and Clarity: Not described.
  • Bottle Design: The label features the name "Longrow Peated," but further details are not provided.

Whisky Flavor Profile

  • Balance of Flavors: A nice combination of sweetness and smokiness, with a creamy vanilla caramel flavor balanced with a significant amount of peat smoke.
  • Unique Characteristics: The whisky is described as having a dry, chimney-like smoke rather than a medicinal or maritime peat character. It's considered light with a good amount of peat, estimated at around 45 ppm.
  • Comparison: Compared to other Springbank whiskies, Longrow Peated is noted for its more pronounced smokiness and lack of the older wood character found in some of the distillery's other expressions.

Whisky Storytelling

  • Distillery History: Springbank is one of the few surviving distilleries in Campbeltown, a region that once boasted 34 distilleries. It shares a connection with the Glengyle distillery, home to the Kilkerran whisky.
  • Production Traditions: Springbank is known for its traditional malting floors and insistence on 100% malted barley, contributing to its rarity and appeal among collectors.

Cultural or Geographical Significance

  • Campbeltown's Distillery Heritage: The review touches on the historical significance of Campbeltown as a whisky-producing region and Springbank's role in maintaining the traditional distilling practices that define the area's whisky character.

Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes

  • Reviewer's Opinion: The reviewer appreciates the whisky's balance of smokiness and sweetness, noting its bourbon character and the absence of youthful side effects despite its non-age statement.
  • Quote: "Springbank whiskey is meant to be drunk," highlighting a wholesaler's decision to sell only to bars to encourage consumption over investment.

Summary

  • Longrow Peated is a non-age statement whisky from Springbank Distillery in Campbeltown, known for its peated character.
  • It features a balance of creamy vanilla caramel sweetness and significant peat smoke, with an estimated peat level of around 45 ppm.
  • The whisky is double distilled and likely aged in bourbon casks, contributing to its bourbon character.
  • Springbank's traditional malting floors and historical significance in Campbeltown are highlighted.
  • The reviewer appreciates the whisky's flavor profile and the distillery's commitment to tradition.

Recommendations for Different User Profiles

  • Peat Lovers: Individuals who enjoy a strong peat presence in their whisky will likely appreciate Longrow Peated's smoky character.
  • Bourbon Cask Whisky Enthusiasts: Those who favor the sweet, creamy notes typical of bourbon cask-aged whiskies might find this expression appealing.
  • Collectors and Traditionalists: Collectors interested in whiskies from historic distilleries with traditional production methods, as well as those who value the cultural significance of Campbeltown whiskies, will find Longrow Peated intriguing.
  • Beginners to Peated Whisky: Given its balance of sweetness and smoke, this whisky could serve as a gentle introduction for newcomers to the world of peated Scotch.