Longrow Distillery

Longrow is the brand under which peated whisky is produced by the Springbank Distillery. Hidden amongst the backstreets of Campbeltown, behind a church, the Springbank distillery buildings have been family owned since 1828, the longest running example in Scotch whisky. They are one of few distilleries who can claim self-sufficiency: all the distillery’s requirements are provided for on site. They malt, distil, mature and bottle in one location – a feat enforced on them when, following the 1980s crash, they were left short on contract fillings, so went back to fundamentals.

They ferment for around 100 hours, but end up with a low-strength wash of around 4.5-5% ABV, which gives lots of fruitiness and loads of esters. There are three stills: a direct-fired wash, and two low wines stills. The distillery produces three styles, which are each branded differently: Springbank, Hazelburn and Longrow. Longrow is double distilled and heavily peated. The smoke is pronounced and dry in its youth, with elements of spice and black fruit. With age, the smoke becomes rich and bellowing, supported by a rich, oily body and ample fruit and spice. A powerful malt.