Whisky: Longrow 11 Year (2006), Cadenhead’s Warehouse Tasting

Country/Region: Scotland/Campbeltown

ABV: 58.7%

Cask: First Fill Bourbon Barrel

Age: 11 Years (Distilled 13 Oct. 2006, Bottled 2018)

Nose: Fermented citrus fruits, fennel and herbal spices, pickled mango, a hint of white pepper between sweat and bergamot; a mild menthol and lemongrass arrived with more time.

Palate: Medium-bodied, fermented citrus fruits, grapefruit and Valencia oranges, hints of dried mango and lilikoi butter; slightly creamy, mellow salinity, fresh mint with a touch of licorice, pepper, and copper; apricots and a wisp of smoke at the end.

Finish: Medium-length finish and an initial fruity intensity that fades toward salt and dried herbs.

Score: 7

Mental Image: Summer Fruits in the Shade

Narrative & Notes: My wife reckoned this was the ideal scotch for someone curious about peated whiskies and looking to dip their toes in the bog rather than jump into the deep end. She thought the whisky was pleasant but otherwise mild and not particularly noteworthy. Our palates do not always line up, and in this instance, I ended up much more enthusiastic about the malt.

The flavors were richer and bolder than the twenty-year I poured side by side one evening. The younger malt featured a heavier mouthfeel, though it had less depth beyond the fruit and salt. The nose had hints of some intriguing funk between the sweat and herbs, but those were generally lost on the palate. The tangy fermented quality of the fruits was a good bridge between the two. The finish was enjoyable, with a good initial intensity and gradual fade, though I wish it held on for just a bit longer. It was the kind of whisky you could crush without realizing it, as the flavors were juicy, and the finish faded just fast enough to keep you reaching for another sip.

Overall, it is hard not to enjoy a malt with juicy fruits and wispy smoke; this didn't entirely take me to the beachside barbecue or give off the impression of grilled fruits, but it was still lovely.

Image Credit: Whiskybase