As it stands currently the standard line up of Longrow consist of the NAS Heavily Peated, an 18 yr old & a 21yr old.
Now this NAS version came out sometime in 2011-2012, it is said to have replaced the Longrow CV which was also NAS and purported to contain a vatting of different ages and cask types, (bourbon, refill, sherry, port & rum) as a way to show off the profile of Longrow in a price friendly package. Some have speculated that this new version is younger than its predecessor, spokesmen for Springbank claim it is essentially the same recipe with an updated package.
I haven't had the pleasure of anything but the Hazelburn CV, so will likely never know.
Nose: Mossy peat, burnt grain, damp basement. A feeling of sherry cask influence, you know that creamy, yeast & dried fruit thing. With time green fruits, gooseberry, apple, Italian Mostarda (mustard pickled fruit), a slight minty or herbal edge. Lastly a bit of dry smoke.
Palate: Sweet, sour, ginger, loads of paraffin, greasy smoke and dirt basement floor. Lemon peel, grains, mineral & gravel, a salty edge too, a touch of olive oil & vanilla frosting.
Finish: Oily & earthy, musky fruits & mineral. The oak is light and drying, there is definitely a coastal briny edge to it.
Notes: Good uncompromising stuff, I was not expecting it to be this good, it doesn't get a lot of hype like all the other versions but I honestly loved this. I would definitely consider picking up a bottle if I come across one.
@BlueNote, if my memory serves, the "Peated" is just bit brighter than than the old CV was.
I keep passing this one by for the same reason stated by @MadSingleMalt. I had the old CV years ago and liked it, so if this one is similar I might give it a try. I suspect it is younger than 8 years old, or they might be more inclined to give it an age statement. Nice review, thanks.