For a period, Campbeltown was the undisputed Whisky Capital of World, boasting over 30 distilleries operating simultaneously at its peak. Locally available peat, barley and coal, coupled with a quick steamship service to Glasgow meant this thriving industry lasted into the early 20th Century. Alas; ultimately (and perhaps inevitably) it proved unsustainable, and by 1935 the bubble had well and truly burst, with only Springbank and Glen Scotia distilleries remaining. The first distillation of Longrow was carried out in 1973 as an experiment, when the Chairman of Springbank Distillery set out to prove that it was possible to produce an Islay style single malt whisky on the mainland. Given that you can see Islay from the other side of the Kintyre peninsula, this didn't seem like much of a stretch. The experiment proved a success, and so Longrow was distilled again a few years later and has gone on to become an important part of the company's portfolio, with regular distillation having taken place since 1992. This edition of Longrow's popular Red range has first been matured in Bourbon Barrels and finished in Tawny Port.