Longrow 1998 26 Year Old Springbank Society Exclusive 350ml

Distilled at Springbank Distillery in December 1998, this exceptionally mature Longrow was released exclusively for Springbank Society members in April 2025. The whisky spent its first 23 years in refill Oloroso Sherry butts before being transferred to fresh Pedro Ximénez Sherry hogsheads for a further three years. Bottled at its natural cask strength of 56.1% ABV without added colouring or chill filtration, the release was selected by Springbank Production Director Findlay Ross. Only 485 70cl bottles were produced, alongside a smaller run of 35cl bottles.

Food Pairing: Smoked brisket, barbecued pork ribs, mature cheddar, dark chocolate, fruitcake or rich chocolate-and-cherry desserts.

Tasting Notes: An intensely mature and Sherry-driven Longrow combining dark fruits, rich sweetness, old oak and the oily, smoky character associated with Longrow.

Nose: Dark dried fruits, cherries and plum with brown sugar, espresso, tobacco, oily peat smoke and rich Sherry sweetness.

Palate: Full-bodied and powerful with dark chocolate, blackberry and bramble fruit, dates, liquorice and rich PX sweetness, balanced by coal smoke, earthy peat and mature oak.

Finish: Long, warming and smoky with lingering dark fruit, chocolate, tobacco, Sherry sweetness and earthy peat.

Serve: Best enjoyed neat initially. At 56.1% ABV, a few drops of water can be added gradually to open the darker fruit, Sherry and mature smoky characteristics.