Longrow

[lockejn]

I came across a bottle of Longrow in the local liquor store yesterday. It was a bit of a shock as usually only the high-volume sellers are carried in this shop.

I almost picked up a bottle, but wasn't sure if its peatiness was on par with Laphroaig, Ardbeg, Caol Ila, etc. or if it's maybe a notch or two down like, say, an Ardmore.

Any input would be appreciated. If it's high test stuff I'll probably leave it on the shelf a while to knock a few other choices off my list first. If it's a totally different animal I might not be able to resist. . .

Thanks for your input.

Edited for spelling

[borgom]

Hey there lockejn, do you remember the particular expression of Longrow you found? It's hard to answer your question without knowing this but generally speaking Longrow is not as peaty as Ardbeg, Caol Ila, Laph or Laga.

[lockejn]

It was the 10yo. I didn't realize they bottled it at different proofs, but I'm pretty sure it was the 92 based on box pictures. It was priced at $60.

Thanks for the input.

[Ganga]

The Longrow 10 does have some that are vintage. I seem to recall 1992, 1994, 1995. There was also a 10 yo sherry Longrow.

I would say that the Longrow presents the peat differently than the Islay whiskies as it is not nearly as peaty or smokey.

[dramtastic]

I agree with ganga, the style of peatyness is different and IMO very well executed. If you can find a bottle CV grab it, I rate it just a notch below Laga 16.

[The Third Dram]

I would say that the Longrow presents the peat differently than the Islay whiskies...

From my own experience, tending to more of a 'coal-tar' imbued sort of smokiness rather than leaning toward the 'earthy/vegetal' peat-reek spectrum that many of the Islay whiskies display. In combination with the intrinsic 'evergreen sap' characteristics of the Longrow distillate, it makes for a most interesting pour.

This seems to be a 'house-style' trait, as it can be picked up (albeit it in a much more subtle form) in Springbank bottlings as well.

[Ganga]

TD, thanks for elaborating. I just couldn't put it to words and you did an excellent job!

[dramtastic]

The smokyness in Longrow for me is of the smoked meats variety. Think ham hocks.

[lockejn]

The smokyness in Longrow for me is of the smoked meats variety. Think ham hocks.

You had me at meat

I may just have to go pick up a bottle before they're gone.

Thanks all for helping me decide.

[pkt77242]

The smokyness in Longrow for me is of the smoked meats variety. Think ham hocks.

You had me at meat

I may just have to go pick up a bottle before they're gone.

Thanks all for helping me decide.

that is one thing this forum does well, make you buy whisky.

Sean

[lockejn]

By the time I got back the 10 was gone and replaced with CV. Guess someone mis-ordered a few expressions.

Anyways, sampling the first dram right now. Pretty good. The smoke is definitely different from most Islays. It's relatively simple, straightforward. Nothing wrong with that at all, but I'd love to get hold of a 14y.

4/5

[Reggaeblues]

I agree with Nick. The CV is a really exceptional whisky. One of my "finds" of last year...

reminds me of Ardbeg 10 in reverse, if that makes any sense!

[Mr Fjeld]

I love Longrow and have tasted several, but so far I haven't tasted the CV yet. However, the 14 is very good but the 10 100 Proof is stunning. Longrow - and Springbank to a lesser degree, have a wonderful "sour smoke" which I've previosly only experienced in whiskies from Port Ellen. Maybe due to inhouse maltings the old way? You can't go wrong with a Longrow and any will do imo.

[Ardbeg311]

The Longrow 10yo 1992 at $60.00? That would have been a fantastic find! The two 10yo's I have had, 1992, 1993 we both exceptional whiskies though a bit high for the $95.00 I paid for each. Very different than the Islay's, peaty (barnyard earthy), but not smoky (campfire), at least not to my tastes. Looking forward to sampling the CV, finally, this summer.

[lockejn]

If you think that was a steal for the 10y, I got the CV for $45. To be fair it was clearance priced because apparently it's not a normal stock item. Not sure if it was an accidental order or what. Can't argue with the price, though.

[Ardbeg311]

Yes, I have heard a lot of good things about the CV at a great daily-dram price. That is why I am eager to try it this summer, along with the Longrow 100 Proof (perhaps a bar in London will even have the 18yo to sample but I am not holding my breath). I stopped buying the Longrow 10 because of the price, though I have been tempted to buy one now and then as the one's I have had were just that good. A lot of complexity for such a young whisky. Although the CV price has always been great, the same can't be said for the 10, at least not in New England 5 years ago. I don't think the '92 or '93 ever sold for $60. That what makes your find so amazing even if it was only a clearance price. 5 years ago $95 was the best I could do in NH, MA, and RI.

[jmrl]

I can heartily recommend the Wood Expression Gaja Barolo. The combination of the youth (7yo), the wood (1 and a half years in an Italian red wine cask) and the peat would have been difficult to balance on paper but to my mind is Longrow at its best. Cask strength too.

[sinclair]

Longrow CV is one my favourite whiskies at the moment but if you see a 1994 10 yr old buy it as i loved this and still have one stashed away for my old age.

[Gilles Deleuze]

The Longrow 10yo 1992 at $60.00? That would have been a fantastic find! The two 10yo's I have had, 1992, 1993 we both exceptional whiskies though a bit high for the $95.00 I paid for each. Very different than the Islay's, peaty (barnyard earthy), but not smoky (campfire), at least not to my tastes. Looking forward to sampling the CV, finally, this summer.

I almost hate to tell you this but I got a Longrow 10yo 1992 from TWE for 34 GBP, back when the pound was 1.5 to the dollar--so a few months ago. Haven't opened it yet, but your raving about it me makes me want to!

[jazz lover]

Open it !

[Gilles Deleuze]

Open it !

Far be it from me to resist peer pressure. Consider this baby opened as soon as I finish dinner.