We’re a bit late with this review. In 2019 Chivas Brothers introduced the Secret Speyside Collection, a range of 15 single malts between 18 and 30 years of age, from four distilleries: Caperdonich, Longmorn, Glen Keith and Braes of Glenlivet. Longmorn had three expressions: the Longmorn 18 Year Old we’re trying today, along with a 23 and 25 year old whisky.
Since 2024 these Longmorn whiskies have been discontinued. The distillery is now reduced to two expressions: a new 18 year-old at cask strength and a 22 year-old, both in fancy bottles and a classy purple / gold house style. They’re pushing this further towards the high end of the market, with well-aged whisky at high prices. At the same time I feel there’s very little buzz around this brand among whisky enthusiasts. At some point they’ll push themselves off the map.
Anyway, the previous release is still available in stores, so a review isn’t pointless.
Longmorn 18 yo ‘Double Cask Matured’ (48%, OB +/- 2023, American oak barrels + hogsheads)
Nose: really bright and fruity. Peaches, tangerines, bananas and juicy pears. Also a subtle tropical edge, like mango. Then light hints of cinnamon and toffee underneath, with raisins and hints of candied ginger. Mild honey, lemon peels and a hint of green pepper. There’s a fresh layer of woody notes as well.
Mouth: sweet and bourbon-influenced, which means more fruits. Pears, green plums, as well as unripe mango and pineapple. Then hints of dessicated coconut and vanilla custard. White pepper and honey, as well as subtle hints of mint chocolates. Mid-palate it gets a bit more earthy, with the fresh oak growing stronger. Aniseed in the end. A drop of water tones down the woody edge.
Finish: medium long, with some berry sweetness, orange candy, vanilla toffee and spicy wood.
A pleasant whisky, with plenty of Speyside fruits thanks to the bourbon casks. These were fairly active, also adding spice and coconut sweetness. Overall quite a modern whisky, but really representative for the distillery style, in my opinion. At well over € 100, value for money is not exceptional though. I still found it at Whiskysite.nl. Major retailers like The Whisky Exchange are selling the new version.