Longrow 1998 15 YO Open Day 2014

Longrow 1998 15 YO Open Day 2014, 48,1 %

Here is the second special release from Springbank, launched at their Open Day 2014. I have previously reviewed the special Springbank 21 YO they released this year. Now we will take a closer look at the Longrow 1998 15 YO Open Day 2014.

This whisky was distilled in June 1998, and bottled 2014-05-22, just in time for theOpen Day. It has been matured in a single Fresh Madeira sherry hogshead. The outturn was 186 bottles, and I imagine it was sold out on site at the distillery on the Open Day.

Nose (24/25): Warm and fluffy, cotton candy puffs of sweet smoke! Chocolate cake, rum cake, dark fruits, fresh and crumbly licorice caramel! It's the cutest nose I have experienced in a long while. We're talking a nose of Hedy Lamarr quality here.

Taste (23/25): Now this is rich stuff! Very rich! It is oily and syrupy, almost sticky. Lots of sweetness; fruits, syrup, dark chocolate. The smoke it a bit more pronounced here than it was on the nose, but I certainly don't mind.

Finish (22/25): Continued on much like it started. I do find a bit of caramel and ginger towards the end. Medium to long finish, and comfortable warmth.

Balance (23/25): Wow! I think I actually fell in love with this whisky!

Score (92/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas