Longrow 18 Year 750ML is a heavily peated, double-distilled Campbeltown single malt Scotch whisky bottled at 46% ABV in a 750ml format. Produced at Scotland's legendary Springbank Distillery — one of only two Scottish distilleries that malt, distill, mature, and bottle entirely on-site — this 18-year-old expression scored 93/100 on Whisky Connosr and 4.5 out of 5 from The Whiskey Jug.Quick Facts: ABV: 46% | Origin: Campbeltown, Scotland | 18 Year Age Statement | Distillery: SpringbankProduction & HeritageSpringbank Distillery in Campbeltown first produced Longrow in 1973, when it double-distilled a heavily peated spirit to create a style distinct from its flagship Springbank and triple-distilled Hazelburn lines. The barley used for Longrow is entirely dried over peat, resulting in phenol levels close to 55 ppm — firmly in the heavily peated category. This 18-year-old expression was matured in a combination of ex-sherry casks (60%), ex-bourbon casks (30%), and ex-Chardonnay casks (10%), giving it a layered complexity that balances deep fruit richness against assertive peat. The mashbill is 100% malted barley, and the whisky is non-chill filtered at a natural 46% ABV.Tasting NotesAroma: The nose opens with blackberry jam and sweet orchard fruit before shifting into earthy peat, walnuts, and licorice. Beneath those heavier layers, lighter notes of citrus zest, peaches, and a gentle briny quality emerge with time in the glass.Taste: The palate arrives rich and full, leading with dark chocolate ganache, maraschino cherries, and dates — unmistakable sherry cask influence. At the mid-palate, rhubarb and gingerbread spice build alongside creamy coffee and vanilla custard. The peat is present throughout but never overpowers, acting as a structural spine rather than the dominant flavor.Finish: Long and warming, with roasted coffee beans, sea salt, and a slow fade of dry peat smoke. The texture stays oily and coating, leaving a bittersweet cocoa impression that lingers well after the final sip.How to Drink Longrow 18At 46% ABV and 18 years of age, this whisky is best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to open the sherry-influenced fruit notes. A single cube of ice can tame the peat for those who prefer a gentler smoke profile. For cocktails, the Longrow 18 brings uncommon depth to a Penicillin, where the peat and dark fruit stand up beautifully to honey-ginger syrup. It also anchors a smoky Rob Roy, replacing standard Scotch with far more complexity, and works in a Blood and Sand, where the cherry and chocolate palate echoes the cocktail's sweet vermouth and orange juice components.Best For Gifting a peat-loving Scotch enthusiast who appreciates rare Campbeltown whisky Adding a mature, sherry-influenced peated malt to a serious whisky collection Celebrating a milestone occasion with a spirit that rewards slow, contemplative sipping Side-by-side comparative tastings with Springbank 18 to explore the same distillery's peated versus unpeated character Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Longrow 18 taste like? Longrow 18 leads with rich dark fruit — cherries, dates, blackberry — layered over dark chocolate, coffee, and gingerbread spice, with peat smoke running underneath rather than dominating. The finish is long and saline, closing with roasted coffee and dry smoke.How does Longrow 18 compare to Springbank 18? Both are 18-year-old single malts from the same Campbeltown distillery and bottled at 46% ABV, but Longrow is double-distilled from heavily peated malt (around 55 ppm phenol), while Springbank 18 uses lightly peated malt and a unique two-and-a-half-times distillation. The result is that Longrow 18 carries a significantly smokier, earthier profile against Springbank 18's more delicate, maritime character.Is Longrow 18 good for sipping neat? Longrow 18 is ideally suited to neat sipping, with its non-chill-filtered, 46% ABV profile delivering full body and layered complexity without any rough edges. A few drops of water can further reveal fruit sweetness beneath the peat.Where is Longrow 18 made? Longrow 18 is produced at Springbank Distillery in Campbeltown, on the Kintyre Peninsula of western Scotland. Springbank is one of only two Scottish distilleries that handles every step of production — from malting barley to bottling — entirely on its own premises.What foods pair well with Longrow 18? Dark chocolate truffles complement the cocoa and coffee notes. Aged cheddar or Gruyère matches the whisky's salty, savory undertones. Smoked salmon mirrors the peat and brine. Dried fruit and nut boards echo the sherry cask influence. Venison or lamb with a berry reduction highlights both the smoke and the dark fruit character.What sizes does Longrow 18 come in? The standard release is available in the 750ml bottle format.Is Longrow 18 worth the price? Longrow 18 positions as a premium-tier single malt, and its limited annual production from a fully traditional, hands-on distillery places it in a scarcity-driven category that appreciates in both quality and collectibility. For drinkers who value Campbeltown character, heavy peat, and extended sherry maturation, it represents strong value relative to comparable aged peated malts from Islay.Why Longrow 18?Heavily peated Scotch matured for 18 years in a tri-cask combination of sherry, bourbon, and Chardonnay wood is exceptionally uncommon. Springbank's insistence on floor-malting, non-chill filtration, and in-house bottling gives every release a handmade authenticity that most modern distilleries simply cannot replicate. Longrow 18 earned a 93/100 from Whisky Connosr and a 4.5/5 from The Whiskey Jug — consistent critical recognition that confirms this is among the most accomplished aged peated malts produced in Scotland. For collectors and drinkers drawn to Campbeltown's maritime, smoky tradition, few expressions deliver this level of depth, maturity, and production integrity in a single bottle.
