Longrow 18 Years Old Edition 2017 46% NV

Professional reviews

BOW (89)

Nose
A captivating, beautifully musty cowshed with a whisper of light smoke. Milk chocolate mingles with bacon—a touch of chocolate-dipped bacon, no less—and a tease of gingerbread spice. Light citrus notes brighten the profile, while spice unfurls with time, adding a slightly peppery edge. Oak and raisins weave through, with sherry becoming increasingly pronounced. It's luxuriously creamy with a hint of vanilla that grows richer, bringing caramel and a faint floral hint after the first sip.

Taste
A rich, oily texture introduces an immediate hit of neat smoke, underscored by sherry. The dirtier notes bring character, with raisins, wood, and spicy oak emerging alongside pepper and vanilla. A touch of burnt caramel nods towards almost Bruichladdich-like elements, evolving to reveal blood orange and the chew of tart orange peel. As the flavors develop, the palate becomes progressively drier.

Finish
Shifts towards grapefruit, a bittersweet interplay of sweetness and tartness. Lingering smoke dances delicately on the palate, while warming oak notes emerge, slightly bitter but immensely satisfying.

A whisky that embraces its complexity with finesse—well-balanced, intriguingly Cambeltown dirty", and utterly captivating.