First Impressions
Longmorn 18 arrives with quiet authority. The nose is deep and honeyed, the weight on the palate unmistakably that of a well-matured Speysider that has spent its years in thoughtful wood.
Distillery and Heritage
Founded in 1894 near Elgin, Longmorn has long been regarded by blenders as one of the finest malts in Speyside — a cornerstone of Chivas Regal and a distillery whose spirit has traditionally been all but impossible to find as single malt. In 2019 Chivas Brothers launched the Secret Speyside collection, bringing Longmorn, Caperdonich, Glen Keith and Braes of Glenlivet into the spotlight with a suite of new releases. The 18 Year Old, bottled at 48%, sits near the heart of the Longmorn line.
Tasting Notes in Detail
Ex-bourbon cask character dominates, with honey, vanilla and orchard fruit given depth by eighteen years of slow interaction with American oak. The distillery's famously rich, slightly waxy spirit carries the weight effortlessly. Water is optional; at 48% the whisky is already well balanced.
Verdict
One of Speyside's best-kept secrets, finally given the stage it deserves. A superb 18-year-old malt.
