Longrow 7 Year RED 57.1% 2024

Longrow 7Y 57.1% 2024

Campbeltown, a small town on Scotland's west coast, has a rich history of whisky production. Once known as the "whisky capital of the world" with over 30 distilleries, only three remain active today: Springbank, Glen Scotia, and Glengyle. Longrow is one of the brands produced by Springbank, and the new Longrow 7Y 57.1% is a whisky that should not be overlooked. In this blog, we delve deeper into this young, powerful single malt whisky.

The Legacy of Longrow

Longrow whiskies are characterized by their heavily peated flavor profile, distinguishing them from the lighter, fruitier style of Springbank whiskies. The name "Longrow" comes from a historical distillery that operated in Campbeltown in the 19th century. Although that distillery has long since closed, the name lives on through the production of these robust and smoky whiskies.

A Young Talent: Longrow 7Y

The Longrow 7Y 57.1% is one of the younger expressions in the lineup, making it particularly intriguing. Young whiskies often have an intensity and vibrancy that older whiskies sometimes lack. At an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 57.1%, this whisky is not for the faint of heart. The high alcohol content contributes to a deeper and more complex tasting experience.
Take a look at the Longrow RED series here.

Production Process

The production process of Longrow whiskies is meticulous and artisanal. For Longrow 7Y, malted barley is used, which is heavily peated, with a phenol content of about 50-55 ppm (parts per million). This is comparable to the heaviest Islay whiskies, such as Ardbeg and Laphroaig. The barley is dried over a peat fire, resulting in the characteristic smoky flavor.

Distillation takes place in traditional copper pot stills, and the whisky then ages for seven years in oak casks. For this particular expression, both ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks are likely used, contributing to the complex flavor profiles.

Tasting Notes

Nose: The first impression is an explosion of peat smoke, but after a few seconds, more emerges. Notes of vanilla, caramel, and honey are clearly present, along with a subtle saltiness reminiscent of sea air. There are also hints of citrus fruits and green apples, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the smokiness.

Palate: The first sip brings the peat to the forefront, but this is quickly followed by a rich sweetness of toffee and butterscotch. The mouthfeel is full and oily, with a pleasant warmth from the alcohol. There are also layers of dried fruits, such as raisins and figs, likely from the sherry casks.

Finish: The finish is long and warming, with lingering smoke and a slight pepperiness. The sweetness fades slowly, allowing the peat and woody tones to take over.

Perfect Occasions

The Longrow 7Y 57.1% is a whisky that shines on cold winter evenings when you want to warm yourself with a dram full of character. It's also an excellent choice for whisky tastings, where it will impress both beginners and experienced whisky lovers. Due to the high alcohol content, adding a few drops of water can help to open up the flavors further.

Food Pairing

While whisky is traditionally enjoyed neat, pairing it with food can be a rewarding experience. For the Longrow 7Y 57.1%, strong flavors are a good match. Think of smoked cheeses, such as an aged Gouda or a smoky blue cheese. Smoked meats, like ham or bacon, also pair excellently with the intense smokiness of the whisky. For a sweeter pairing, consider dark chocolate with a high cocoa content or dried fruits.

Comparison with Other Longrow Expressions

It's interesting to compare the Longrow 7Y with other expressions from the same brand, such as the Longrow 10Y and the Longrow Red series, which are often aged in various types of wine casks. The 7-year-old variant is younger and therefore possibly less complex, but it offers a purity and intensity that can be lost in older whiskies. The smokiness is often more pronounced in younger expressions, which is a significant advantage for lovers of heavy peat.

Conclusion

The Longrow 7Y 57.1% is an impressive addition to Springbank's Longrow lineup. Despite its young age, it offers a complex and satisfying drinking experience. The high alcohol content and intense peat smoke make it a powerful dram, ideal for cold evenings and special occasions. For those looking to explore the world of heavily peated whiskies, this is an excellent choice.

Campbeltown may have fewer distilleries today, but with expressions like this, Longrow proves that quality trumps quantity. The Longrow 7Y 57.1% is a worthy ambassador of the rich whisky tradition of this region and a must-try for any serious whisky enthusiast.