This 15 years old has always been the only Longmorn official bottling, even after Pernod Ricard acquired the distillery, in 2001. It was replaced in 2007 by a 16 years old at 48% ABV and some whisky enthusiasts didn’t appreciate the choice, complaining about a decrease in the quality. Whisky enthusiasts are nostalgic par exellence, so their judgments are often distorted. But in this case there might be an objective reason for Longmorn change in personality: in fact, in 1994 the direct-fired stills were replaced. So, every drop of spirit in the new Longmorn era has allegedly been produced by steam heated stills.
N: a typical rich whisky, really delightful thanks to generous fruity whiffs (red fruits, canned peaches, raisins). The malt is lively and it gives the nose a distinct suggestion of cereal. Citrusy hints, with a wonderful acidity increasing. Rounded and even creamy, with vanilla and honey.
P: the first sip is intense and consistent with the nose. It’s rather simple and focused on indistinct red fruits, with hazelnuts and warm croissants. Maybe the nose was more varied. It’s surely elegant, not too sweet, well balanced even if it isn’t a masterpiece.
F: hazelnut is the king! Very malty and pleasant.
We look forward to finding a sample of the new 16 yo expression to compare it with this 15 yo. Now we understand the general astonishment of the customers: why, why, why did you withdraw this wonderful Longmorn from the market? Times are changing, who has had, has had… We give 86/100.
Recommended soundtrack: Rosemary Clooney – Sway
