Longrow 14 Year Sherry Cask Matured

Longrow 14 year Sherry Cask - 57.8% If that does not sound fantastic, I'm not sure what does. Amber hue, slow-forming legs, pretty much as anticipated. I do not think this is a first-fill sherry cask (the bottle confirms it was refilled). That being said, it has a pleasant color, and these casks are certainly not overused. The aroma presents that classic Springbank funk, peat, a meaty, salty savoriness, followed by dark fruits, raisins, plums, a hint of cocoa powder, and a touch of sourness from the sherry. A little water unlocks more of a candy-like fruit note and pushes the funk and saltiness back slightly. That sour sherry note is quite prominent at the start, followed by bitterness, funk, salt, and Springbank's malt character. I detect hints of soy sauce too. Water is revealing some vanilla, but the fruity soy sauce and now that Springbank BBQ essence are coming through. The finish is not very long. It simply fades from the intensely powerful opening. A bit of vanilla and oak remains on the palate. So, let me explain my rating. A score of 3.0 signifies a spirit you would purchase if it suits your taste and falls within your budget. Anything higher suggests venturing beyond your usual selections or exceeding your comfortable spending limit. Below that, you might wait for a sale or decide to skip it entirely. This is the saltiest Springbank expression I have encountered; it's dry and not excessively sweet, and while it offers all the characteristics I appreciate in a Longrow, they are not prominently displayed. Consequently, it falls just short of a 3.0. However, I believe any devoted fan of these drams will still want to try this one.

Ah yes, usually Monday nights are not for drinking, but hey, I'm down in ChCh for work, my return flight is delayed, and I'm trying to catch up with everyone for Christmas. It's as good a time as any to dive into 6 drams with a friend. Number 4 on the list was the cask strength 14-year-old Sherry wood. I did enjoy this one, perhaps placing second or third for the night. A certain Springbank 15yr was the clear winner by a mile, however. I'd rate this one a 3.75. Given it was 57.8% ABV, I had to add a few drops, and it opened up nicely. It felt a bit thinner after the Springbank 15yr, but still lovely. Smoky, slightly sulfuric, sherry, and red berries. Nice, but like most of its kind, I wouldn't rush out to buy a bottle.

I secured this bottle for just $65 thanks to a store error. Served neat, no water added. Nose: Intense peat and smoke dominate, yet it's not too much. Notes of toasted oak, honey, dried grapes, and a hint of sulfur are present. Palate: Begins with a rich, oily honey sweetness, a bit waxy and slightly briny, followed by the characteristic Campbeltown character. It's potent, with the high alcohol content being evident. Finish: Hmm. A lengthy finish where the earthy smoke and a whisper of sweetness persist for an extended period. The warmth remains but gradually subsides. Considering the price of $65, I regret not purchasing another; this is fantastic!

Sweet aroma. Sweet, dark fruit, followed by damp wood, fire, iodine, chemical, salt, brine, and, naturally, peat. Long and sharp finish. An excellent substitute (perhaps even better) for Springbank 13 (2003, cask strength). Great value.

This showed me that I don't think I care for sherry finishes. Very sweet. Tastes like caramel. It's not my favorite, but I can certainly appreciate it.

Smoky aroma with a caramel ending, bottled at cask strength ABV.