A superb Hazelburn expression in which the spirit nature has been matched to (mostly) ex-bourbon maturation, soft citrus fruits and biscuity cereals accentuated with a touch of sherry sweetness and Campbeltown maritime/salt influences. 87/100
This is a touch more closed initially than the 10yo but full of similar notes. Interestingly this batch (Batch 21, May 2021, 55.4%) has been constructed from 50:50 bourbon:sherry casks whereas previous editions have been reported at 35:65. There is more baked fruits here and some tarter citrus and earthier cranberry present. 86/100
Yum, a super expression with salt, smoke, sherry and barley malt influences throughout. A complex classic Campbeltown. 86/100
Quite basic for a Campbeltown dram, not so much the dirty oily dockside/fishing boat but much more coastal, clean salt-laden air, mineralic chalk and plenty of citrus with a hint of vanilla. 84/100
Longrow 15 Years Old 2001 Whisky Review: A touch oily and closed and quite creamy in texture. Straight forward sherry and peat but with further sampling what at first seems simple is really quite accomplished, a single cask that is on par with a married standard expression. 89/100
Longrow 12 Years Old 2002 Sherry Cask Whisky Review: A hint of rubber at first but this quickly dissipates leaving a sweet and oily combination of sherry and peat smoke which is really quite lovely. 88/100
Longrow Red 11 Years Old Cabernet Franc Whisky Review: Sadly not heavily red wine influenced, a competent expression whose fruitiness struggles to compete with the peaty and spicy nature, much preferred the Gaja Barolo. 84/100
Longrow 7 Years Old 2000 Gaja Barolo whisky review: A superb expression, perhaps a touch spirity/alcoholic which belies its youth but a complete absence of spice means this mixture of smoke and red fruits is an absolute winner for me. 89/100
Springbank 15 Years Old 2002 First fill Sherry Hogshead Whisky Review: A classic single cask expression that displays many of the qualities the official Springbank 15 year old is built on, a delight to sample this one. 87/100
Springbank 12 Years Old 2004 Refill Sherry Butt Whisky Review: Bitter and peaty thanks to the moderated cask maturation but still a mouthful of juicy dried fruits in here that brings this dram to life. Even the more “off” notes, metallic, liqourice and aniseed sort of belonged in this dram. The sort of whisky I’d describe as putting hairs on your chest, quiet invigorating or energizing this one. 86/100
The Whiskyphiles 