Review #193: Longrow 14 Burgundy Finish 1997

Campbeltown - 14 - NCF - NCA - $120 - 56.1%

Springbank is one of my favorite distilleries.  They have three lines, Hazelburn (unpeated), Springbank (funky peat), and Longrow (heavily peated).  Longrow on its own is not that interesting to me but when finished or fully matured in wine barrels, it can become magical. I personally feel that peat and red wine go together like grilled cheese and tomato soup.  

This dram was aged in refill (second-fill) ex-bourbon casks for 11 years, and finished in fresh (first-fill) Burgundy casks (either Pinot Nior or Beaujolais) for 3 years. 

Color - Mahogany

Nose - Cherries and smoke, cherry compote with a bit of Robitussin, lemon zest, fabric softener

Palate - Cherry, chocolate, honey, sea shells

Finish - Medium - Cherry jam, smoke, vanilla, syrup, prunes, orange, chocolate

Overall - 6.5 - This one lets the wine finish drive and the peat takes a back seat.  This is red fruit all the way.  It is a bit out of balance but more than enjoyable for what it is. It is not the best showing of the Longrow wine finishes but it can hold its own.  Some added peat would really help rein in the the sweetness that the red wine brings.  

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Rating system is price influenced as it is based on my shopping decisions when buying a bottle.

10 Best in Show

9 Great Dram for Special Occasions

8 Worthy of consistent spot in my collection

7 Worth picking up a bottle if in the mood

6 I would buy a bottle if it went on sale
5.5 I really enjoyed but it will never be priced at where I would buy a bottle

5 I would drink it happily if offered

4 I would drink it if offered on the rocks

3 Maybe some soda will make this potable

2 I'll Pass

1 Toilet cleaner

Inclusive Ratings

Overall 6.1

Standard Deviation 0.91

Skew 0.66

Kurtosis -0.16