In the popular series of limited editions from Longrow, the latest offering was this Longrow 14 Years ‘Sherry Cask Matured’. This time it has been fully matured in refill Oloroso casks.
Longrow 14 yo 2003 ‘Sherry Cask Matured’ (57,8%, OB 2018, refill Oloroso sherry, 9000 btl.)
Longrow 14 yo 2003 ‘Sherry Cask Matured’ (57,8%, OB 2018, refill Oloroso sherry, 9000 btl.)Nose: nutty sherry, some toffee apple fruitiness and a wee bit of capsicum tingle. Buttered popcorn. Some strawberries. The saltpeter and unstruck matchstick heads are loud and clear, but these aren’t out of touch with the meaty spirit. Bacon, black cherries, hints of leather.
Mouth: very intense. There’s little ‘flavour’ for me here, it stays on bitter char, salty and spicy oak, black peppercorns, sulfury notes and a sour touch. You ‘feel’ this one rather than ‘taste’ it if you see what I mean. Salmiak, herbal notes, dark chocolate maybe. Quite earthy and astringent overall.
Finish: smoked meat, pepper and slightly acrid smoke.
I could appreciate the nose but I lost the connection on the palate. Too austere, too sulfury. In general I like what Springbank is doing, but sourcing sherry casks is not their strong suit. Available in Belgium from TastToe – abroad try TWE. Thanks Angelo.
Score: 79/100