I think the Longrow 18 is defined by it's judicious use of peat instead of hinging on it like a lot of Islays. Just enough to get the matchstick, aged leather, light smoke, Band-Aid box, light mossiness, just enough woodiness but still have wee notes of familiar citrus. It's probably the only whisky I've ever had that tastes just like it smells and I didn't have to question myself. A little bit of water really changes the game with Longrow 18 if you give it some time in the glass. Light artificial citrus zest on the arrival with a bit more smokiness than the nose, matches, oak, pine. The peat starts to kick in and replace the smokiness in the development with the light citrus fading giving into the pine and matches. The finish is mainly peat, moss, grass, lingering zest, burnt pinecone with an oily texture that lasts on the palate unlike any other whisky I've tried. Long finish; It really sticks with you for some time. Hopefully, I'll be able to get another bottle of the 18 within the next year or so. Would save it for something really special and share with only those that really get whisky.
I see a case of 2015 Longrow 18 for $199 locally. Well actually there's only five left. My first sip was a pivotal moment in my life. It was the most complex thing I ever experienced. That moment has passed but it's still a top five bottle of mine and I should grab another before I get down into the label. On the other hand, is it worth $40 to get a newer bottling if I come across one?
I think the Longrow 18 is defined by it's judicious use of peat instead of hinging on it like a lot of Islays. Just enough to get the matchstick, aged leather, light smoke, Band-Aid box, light mossiness, just enough woodiness but still have wee notes of familiar citrus. It's probably the only whisky I've ever had that tastes just like it smells and I didn't have to question myself. A little bit of water really changes the game with Longrow 18 if you give it some time in the glass. Light artificial citrus zest on the arrival with a bit more smokiness than the nose, matches, oak, pine. The peat starts to kick in and replace the smokiness in the development with the light citrus fading giving into the pine and matches. The finish is mainly peat, moss, grass, lingering zest, burnt pinecone with an oily texture that lasts on the palate unlike any other whisky I've tried. Long finish; It really sticks with you for some time. Hopefully, I'll be able to get another bottle of the 18 within the next year or so. Would save it for something really special and share with only those that really get whisky.
I think you should be reviewing whisky. Very impressive and detailed analysis 🧐. Spot on!
Always enjoy and value your perspective and input.
Cheers🥃
Awesome episode. Cheers, John!
Great video and great whiskies. For me the Longrow 18 takes it. I love the complexity and what the peat turns into after all those years. Cheers!
2 very nice selections.
Nice one John!
Thanks 🙏
Cheers 🥃
Both these whiskies have appeared at a shop near me! Might have to, um, spring for one…or both?
It’d cost me a pretty penny, as you’d expect.
Batch/year variations but the quality is there.
Enjoy one or both for the benefit of science 😅
Cheers 🥃
I see a case of 2015 Longrow 18 for $199 locally. Well actually there's only five left.
My first sip was a pivotal moment in my life. It was the most complex thing I ever experienced. That moment has passed but it's still a top five bottle of mine and I should grab another before I get down into the label.
On the other hand, is it worth $40 to get a newer bottling if I come across one?
IMHO any Longrow 18 less than $200 USA is a definite buy…
And even at $240
Still less than Springbank 18 and putting things in perspective probably worth it
Longrow costs 400$+ in my area and SB 18 costs $350
Wow!
SB18 is $270 in my area and good luck finding L18 anywhere…
Thanks for sharing 🥃
@@justwhisky yeah no problem. All the spring bank brands are insanely expensive in my area while i get pretty good deal on Redbreast 27 (
longrow 18 is top.🥰