Longmorn Distillers Choice

Whisky Review/Tasting: Longmorn Distiller's Choice

Physical Whisky Characteristics

  • Origin: Longmorn Distillery, Speyside, Scotland.
  • Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
  • Distillation & Maturation: Matured in three different types of oak casks: first-fill American oak barrels, ex-sherry casks, and traditional oak casks.
  • Age Statement: No age statement provided.
  • Color & Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the whisky is noted to be colored.
  • Bottle Design: Elegant bottle with artificial leather on the bottom, heavy, shiny, well-shaped, and comes with a box featuring a railway locomotive and the establishment date of 1894.

Whisky Flavor Profile

  • Balance of Flavors: Exceptionally balanced with a combination of sweet, spicy, and subtle depth.
  • Unique Characteristics: Very fruity with sweet caramel notes, warm spices, delicate spice, sweet treacle toffee notes, vanilla, ginger, and milk chocolate.
  • Comparison: Compared to its predecessors, a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old Longmorn, which were highly regarded by the reviewer, this Distiller's Choice is noted for its complexity and mouth-filling impact despite lacking an age statement.

Whisky Storytelling

  • Historical Anecdotes: The Longmorn distillery was established in the late 1800s, with its location chosen for easy access to markets via railway. The founder was forward-thinking, utilizing the latest advances in distilling and extending the railway to the distillery door.
  • Production Insights: The transition from a 16-year-old Longmorn to the Distiller's Choice without an age statement is discussed, including the use of three types of casks to add complexity.

Cultural or Geographical Significance

  • Geographical Context: Longmorn is situated in Speyside, a renowned whisky-producing region in Scotland. The distillery's strategic location near the railway highlights the importance of transportation in the whisky trade during the late 19th century.

Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes

  • Opinions: The reviewer, Horst Luening, expresses a positive view of the whisky, praising its complexity, balance, and flavor profile. However, he notes the absence of an age statement and the high price as potential drawbacks.
  • Quotes: "Very very fruity...a wonderful whiskey...unfortunately, it does not carry an age statement."

Summary

  • Longmorn Distiller's Choice is a single malt Scotch whisky from Speyside, matured in three types of oak casks.
  • It offers a complex flavor profile with a balance of sweet, spicy, and fruity notes.
  • The whisky's story is tied to the strategic use of railways for market access in the late 19th century.
  • Despite lacking an age statement and carrying a high price, the whisky is praised for its quality and flavor.
  • The reviewer suggests that the whisky's price may deter some buyers, especially given the absence of an age statement.

Recommendations for Different User Profiles

  • Whisky Connoisseurs: Individuals with a deep appreciation for complex flavor profiles and the history behind the distilleries may find Longmorn Distiller's Choice particularly appealing.
  • Speyside Enthusiasts: Fans of Speyside whiskies looking for a fruity and balanced malt might enjoy this offering.
  • Collectors: Those interested in unique bottle designs and whiskies with historical significance may be drawn to this whisky, despite its lack of an age statement.
  • Budget-conscious Buyers: Given the high price and absence of an age statement, budget-conscious whisky enthusiasts might hesitate before purchasing this bottle.