Longrow 1992 (Authentic Collection)

Single malt Longrow, an independent Cadenhead's bottling, a 9 year old from 1992 and bottled at 56.8%. The outturn was 360 bottles. Established in 1828, Springbank 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.

The spirit was run twice through the stills from heavily peated malt, 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. The oily, robust make carries cask flavour while holding its own character. The sea loch at the foot of the town shapes the coastal character of the malt. Demand far outstrips the small output, and bottles are keenly chased. Springbank, Longrow and Hazelburn each show a different face of the one distillery. The open larch washbacks are a rare survival in modern Scotch.

At 56.8%, undiluted, it is deep and powerful. Heavy smoke over brine and wax sit over vanilla, honey and coconut. The texture is rich and oily, the salt threaded through. The finish runs deep, briny and warm. This is a smoky, maritime Campbeltown single malt.