It’s been quite some time since we last reviewed a Longmorn, so today we’ll be looking at two expressions from this Speyside distillery. First, we’ll start with the now-retired official Longmorn 16-year-old, followed by a licensed bottling from Gordon & MacPhail, distilled in 1983. These two whiskies represent both official and independent releases, offering a look at different sides of Longmorn.
Longmorn 16-year-old (2022) Review
Longmorn 16-year-old is an official bottling from the renowned Speyside distillery, known for its rich and full-bodied single malts. Replacing the much loved 15-year-old in the mid-2000s, the 16-year-old was part of Longmorn’s effort to reposition itself as a premium offering. Matured in a mix of casks (first fill bourbon, refill bourbon and European oak sherry casks), it was bottled at 48% ABV, non-chill filtered, and aimed to showcase the distillery’s signature combination of fruity, malty, and spicy character. Unfortunately, the 16-year-old was discontinued in recent years, but replaced by an 18-year-old. Fortunately, a few shops still list it, from €124 in France, but usually around $150/£150/€150.
Colour:
Deep gold (fake colouring)
Nose:
Neat: A vibrant medley of fruits, starting with crisp apples and hints of tropical notes like overripe bananas and pineapple, before shifting to more classic European fruits – juicy oranges, ripe pears, and plums. Subtle spices emerge, with a pinch of cinnamon powder and delicate menthol undertones. While inviting, the nose is somewhat reserved.
With water: The bananas briefly take on a slightly overripe, almost fermented quality before evolving into a subtle touch of rancio. Malty notes become more prominent.
Palate:
Neat: The alcohol is much more pronounced on the palate, opening with a hit of spices, predominantly black pepper. As the spice mellows, layers of flavour emerge – juicy apples, pineapple, cocoa powder, and a touch of oak. Subtle notes of spent tea leaves, blood oranges, chalk, and sawdust add complexity, along with an unexpected hint of Indian curry spice, lending an intriguing savoury edge.
With water: Reduction softens the spice, bringing out a sweeter profile. There’s a more pronounced citrusy tang, reminiscent of the sourness in an IPA or sour beer, accompanied by hoppy notes. Dark chocolate takes centre stage, with an increase in woody undertones.
Finish:
The finish is long and persistent, with notes of cocoa powder and a touch of wood-driven bitterness. Grapefruit and blood orange add a citrusy sharpness, while spent tea leaves bring an earthy, tannic quality. A lingering peppery heat ties everything together.
Comments:
This Longmorn 16-year-old is quite enjoyable, with a fruity and inviting nose. However, the palate leans more heavily on oak influence, primarily from European oak, creating a contrast to the nose. It’s a pity the palate doesn’t fully reflect the vibrant fruitiness of the aroma.
Rating: 6/10
Longmorn 1983 Gordon & Macphail Review
The Longmorn 1983 from Gordon & MacPhail is a licensed bottling distilled in 1983 and bottled in 2014, giving it 31 years of maturation. This whisky was drawn from refill sherry puncheons, a hallmark of Gordon & MacPhail’s careful cask selection process, allowing the spirit to develop complexity while preserving Longmorn’s signature fruity and malty character. Bottled at 43% ABV, this expression reflects the traditional style of independent bottlings from that era, emphasising balance and approachability over cask strength intensity. Still available in a couple places but expensive: close to £1000 in the UK, for instance.
Colour:
Amontillado sherry.
Nose:
Neat: The aromas are remarkably intense, filling the air from a distance despite the lower ABV. There’s no trace of alcohol burn, just a beautifully layered bouquet. Stewed apples and ripe mangoes lead the way, followed by rich old sherry notes with a subtle touch of sulphur – perfectly integrated and adding depth. Hints of fruitcake with crystallised fruits, beeswax, and polished wood emerge, alongside nuances of shoe polish and an old leather armchair.
Palate:
Neat: The palate delivers an impressive intensity that feels more robust than the ABV suggests, almost comparable to the 48% strength of the 16-year-old official bottling. A medley of fruits takes the lead – plums, prunes, and stewed or caramelised apples – balanced by notes of oak and a subtle tang of fermented milk (Lait Ribot). Pineapple and a delicate hint of coffee add complexity, while a prickly candied ginger-like spice provides a lively touch. Initially slightly sweeter than the 16-year-old, the sweetness quickly fades, giving way to a medium citrusy sourness that adds brightness and balance.
Finish:
The finish is long, with prominent notes of wood and spicy ginger. Orange peel and lemon zest bring a zesty, citrusy brightness, complemented by a subtle hint of coffee.
Comments:
A beautifully aged Longmorn. The influence of the refill sherry puncheons is evident but perfectly integrated, allowing the distillery’s character to shine through. Despite the lower bottling strength, the whisky carries itself with a richness and intensity that feels more robust than the actual ABV. This Longmorn 1983 is yet another excellent example of Gordon & MacPhail’s expertise in selecting casks and bottling whisky at just the right moment.
