New Release: Longrow 1998-2017 19yo Official for WHISK-E 56.0%

They prepared a rare Japanese release for us. Longrow LONGROW 1998-2017 19yo OB for WHISK-E 56.0%, one of 540 bottles, Refill Sherry Butt The aroma features sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, mirin, roasted malt with a charred sensation, American coffee, smoky meaty notes, seafood stock, leaf mold, and a richly complex profile. Upon tasting, it begins with a smooth mouthfeel expanding into jammy sweetness and robust body, enhanced by tannins that deepen the flavor. Notes of juicy meat umami, brininess, strong saltiness, and a peaty, rich long finish emerge. [Good/Very Good] This is the 19-year-old Longrow 1998, bottled this year. It's an official single cask matured in a refill sherry butt. Longrow, or rather Springbank Distillery's sherried casks often showcase a savory soy sauce-like character from their house style, which I personally find challenging. However, this bottling didn't have an obvious soy sauce-like quality but instead presented nuances reminiscent of mirin or teriyaki sauce. The sherry character was diverse and concentrated, blending with Longrow's typical malty notes, shellfish umami elements, and distinctive earthy or peaty characteristics in a complex harmony. There was a faint sulfuric note reminiscent of slightly burnt rubber, but it remained subtle enough not to be off-putting and instead contributed depth to the overall profile. While it's already delicious, there are still some complex layers that feel slightly cluttered. I believe the harmony will develop further over time, making it even more enjoyable. Such a sherry cask bottling with this aging period is quite rare, and I'm grateful that the official importer managed to bring a full cask to Japan. I plan to open it at home and savor its evolution, including any changes over time.