Longrow 15 Year (2006/2022) Cage Release

Springbank Whisky Tasting, The Oak Barrel, Sydney, April 17, 2024, Whisky #6 Aroma: Robust, full, earthy, and leathery malt. Significant sherry presence and a lot of bonfire smoke. A very competent sherried Longrow. Taste: A spicy, sweet, and intense initial impression. Mirroring the aroma, the palate is a feast of smoke, leather, sherry-soaked raisins, and earthy malt extract. The texture is smooth and oily. Adding water enhances the palate, making it expand, soften, and develop a juicy creaminess. Finish: Extended. Sweet with dark fruit notes, yet with a spicy undertone. This bottling will be inaccessible to most enthusiasts, but a review is warranted. At the Springbank visitor center, a special cage typically holds a few bottles. These are essentially 700ml duty-paid samples from chosen casks, with the specific expressions varying. Some of these "cage bottles" are unique, while others, like this one (labeled ‘Rotation 582’), are drawn concurrently from multiple casks. As a standard practice, these are found only at the distillery, though occasional trades might lead them to auction sites. Visiting Springbank offers a strong likelihood of acquiring a well-aged and exceptionally unique expression for a price comparable to or less than a standard retail bottling. Therefore, be sure to check the cage during your visit! This bottle was kindly opened for our tasting by the organizer, who acquired it during a recent trip to the distillery. "Very Good": 86/100 (4 stars)