Springbank vs Hazelburn vs Longrow

Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 06:05 pm

Explore the distinctions among Springbank, Hazelburn, and Longrow in this detailed comparison to determine your ideal Single Malt!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Springbank vs Hazelburn vs Longrow: Comparison

Springbank 10: A balanced, creamy whisky with a subtle smoke hint, offering a complex mix of malt, citrus, and marzipan flavors. It’s pricier for its age but delivers a rich, satisfying experience. Ideal for those who enjoy a nuanced dram.

Hazelburn 10: Unpeated and triple distilled, this whisky stands out with its fruity and marzipan notes. It’s smooth and has a bit of warmth, making it an excellent option for those who appreciate a less smoky profile.

Longrow Peated: Offers a peaty, earthy profile with a mix of caramel and red fruits on the palate.

Verdict: For a rich and complex experience, Springbank 10 is a solid choice. Hazelburn 10 is excellent for those preferring a smooth, unpeated option. Longrow Peated appeals to peat lovers, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Top-Ranked 10-Year-Old Scotch Whiskies

Springbank 10: A Smooth and Flavorful Whisky

• Nose: Oak, baking spice, ripe fruit, honey, smoke
• Palate: Malt, citrus, berries, brine, marzipan
• Finish: Smoke, toasted barley, caramel
• Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Similar to: Kilkerran 12

The Springbank 10-year-old whisky offers a delightful exploration for the senses. Here’s a closer look at its characteristics:

Aromatic Delights:

• The aroma opens with notes of oak, offering a foundation for subtle hints of baking spices, ripe fruit (think berries!), and a touch of honey.
• A gentle wisp of smoke completes the initial bouquet, creating an intriguing and inviting experience.

Tasting Experience:

• The first sip reveals a full-bodied and creamy texture, leaving a satisfying sensation on the palate.
• Flavor-wise, the whisky starts with a blend of malty and citrusy notes, evolving into a medley of berries, brine, and hints of marzipan.

A Lingering Finish:

• The finish is subtly smoky, leaving lingering notes of toasted barley and caramel for a pleasant and complete experience.

Considerations:

• While not the most budget-friendly option for a 10-year-old whisky, the Springbank 10 offers a unique and flavorful journey for enthusiasts.
• Compared to its smokier sibling, the Longrow, the Springbank 10 presents a milder and more approachable option for those seeking a gentler introduction to peated whiskies.

Additional Notes:

• This single malt whisky is aged for a decade in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, contributing to its complexity.
• Springbank stays true to its traditional methods by crafting the whisky uncolored and unfiltered, preserving its natural character.
• The unique 2.5-time distillation process adds another layer of intrigue to this captivating spirit.

Keywords: Springbank 10 year old whisky, peated whisky, single malt whisky, sherry cask, bourbon cask, uncolored, unfiltered, 2.5-time distillation.

Hazelburn 10: A Unique Campbeltown Whisky

• Nose: Apple, pear, orange, caramel, honey
• Palate: Apple, pear, marzipan, orange
• Finish: Medium, caramel, oak spice
• Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Similar to: Glengoyne 10

The Hazelburn 10-year-old whisky presents a distinct experience for whisky enthusiasts. Let’s delve into its key characteristics:

Aromatic Profile:

• The aroma greets you with a delightful mix of fresh fruits like apples and pears, complemented by the sweetness of caramel, honey, and subtle hints of orange.

Tasting Experience:

• The first sip reveals a smooth and enjoyable mouthfeel, with a slightly syrupy texture.
• Flavor-wise, it offers a combination of apple, pear, and marzipan notes, balanced by a subtle touch of bitter orange peel.

A Lingering Finish:

• The finish lingers for a moderate time, leaving behind notes of caramel, with a hint of oak spice and a pleasant warming sensation.

A Touch of Water:

• Adding a drop of water can enhance the caramel and oak flavors, while also softening the slight warmth experienced by some drinkers.

Uniquely Hazelburn:

• This whisky offers a unique and complex flavor profile, setting it apart from other Campbeltown whiskies, which are often known for their peaty characteristics.

Considerations:

• While the Hazelburn 10 delivers a satisfying experience, it’s priced on the higher end, similar to other Springbank offerings.
• Some may find a slight peppery heat, but this can be easily toned down with a touch of water.

Additional Notes:

• Aged exclusively in bourbon barrels, this whisky draws its unique character from this single-cask type.
• Unlike its peated counterparts, the Hazelburn undergoes a unique triple distillation process, contributing to its smooth and light profile.
• The whisky remains uncolored and unfiltered, showcasing its natural taste and color.

Longrow: A Peaty & Fruity Campbeltown Whisky

• Nose: Peat, earth, caramel, citrus
• Palate: Caramel, red fruit, vanilla, menthol
• Finish: Smoke, fruit, vanilla, oak spice
• Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Similar to: Ardbeg 10

The Longrow presents a distinctive take on peated whisky, offering a journey for both peat enthusiasts and curious newcomers. Let’s explore its characteristics:

Aromatic Delights:

• The aroma is dominated by strong notes of peat and earth, offering a bold first impression.
• But beneath the peaty smoke, subtle hints of caramel and ripe fruit peek through, adding intriguing complexity.

Tasting Experience:

• The first sip reveals a thick and satisfying mouthfeel, leaving a pleasant sensation on the palate.
• Flavor-wise, the peat smoke gives way to a balance of caramel and red fruit, followed by notes of vanilla and a touch of menthol, creating a unique profile.

A Lingering Impression:

• The finish lingers with a subtle smokiness, complemented by fruity notes, hints of vanilla and oak spice, and a touch of warmth.

Considerations:

• Longrow offers a peated experience similar to Islay whiskies, but with a less intense and smokier profile.
• Compared to classic Islay options like Laphroaig 10 or Lagavulin 8, Longrow presents a more approachable, yet pricier alternative.
• While it boasts a decent finish with a spicy warmth, some may find it lacks the lasting impact of other peated whiskies.

Additional Notes:

• Previously known as the Longrow C.V., this whisky is aged in bourbon barrels and undergoes a double distillation process.
• It lacks an age statement, keeping the focus on its unique flavor profile rather than a specific age.

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whisky	Price
Hazelburn 10	$80
Springbank 10	$80
Longrow Peated	$80