Longrow Red Australian Shiraz Cask 11 Years

Longrow is the peated brother of Hazelburn and Springbank out of the tremendous Springbank distilleries. If you want to know how I feel about Campbeltown whiskies you can read my other reviews. Let's just say I'm extremely fascinated by them.

A few weeks ago I had a taste of the new Red series by Longrow. They are peated 11 years olds matured in casks that previously held red liquid. The first one of the series was matured in Cabernet Sauvignon. The second one in Australian Shiraz and finally the third one in Port.

I tasted the Port finish first and quite liked it. The one I have in the glass right now has been matured in Australian Shiraz casks. First six years in a re-fill hogshead and then the last five in the Australian Shiraz.

My sample is from a brand new bottle and has been packaged at an impressive cask strength of 53.7%

Nose: Mild peat. Oak. Aniseed. Hay. Cardboard. Red grapes. Salmon scales. Red licorice. Fresh cherries. Vermouth. Black pepper. Balsamic. Cherry drops. Let it breathe and the peat becomes stronger. Few drops of water really open up the nose and makes the flavors really stand out.

Palate: Bitter. Wood. Black pepper. Dark chocolate. Cinnamon. Dark cherries. Apples. Raisins. Red plum. Vanilla. Nuts. Like on the nose a few drops of water make the delivery creamier. More tart. Spicier. And sweeter.

Finish: Long. Oily. Red licorice. Cough drops. Water made the finish longer.

Overall a decent quality dram which takes very well to a bit of water. Even though it makes it a touch bitter.

Another competent whisky from Campbeltown.

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