Longrow 1987 KI (Kirsch Import)

Single malt Longrow, an independent Kirsch Import bottling, aged 10 year old from 1987, drawn from cask 121 and bottled at 46%. Just 384 bottles were filled. Springbank, founded in 1828 in Campbeltown, is famous for doing everything on site, from floor malting to bottling. The family owner also holds Cadenhead's, the oldest independent bottler in Scotland.

This was distilled twice from malt kilned over plenty of peat, with the spirit condensed in worm tubs. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, gentle American oak beneath the spirit. At a youthful age the make is lively, salty and full of character. A patient maturation suits the rich, complex Campbeltown spirit. Kintyre's damp, mild climate suits a long and gentle maturation. The old town of Campbeltown once rivalled Speyside as Scotland's whisky heart. Quality and tradition, not volume, have always been the watchwords here. The spirit is filled to cask and matured within the distillery walls.

At 46% it is smooth and oily. A robust peat reek over brine sit over vanilla, cream and light coconut. A waxy weight and a saline tang give it real body. A warming, oily finish lingers long. This is a robust, smoky Campbeltown whisky.