For a distillery with such an enduring reputation among whisky enthusiasts, consumers and those in the industry alike, Longmorn has remarkably little presence in the retail world. The distillery’s core range was refreshed as recently as 2024 with an 18 and 22 Year making up the entirety of it. The 18 Year here is not from the new core range, but an earlier edition from a limited series of 18, 23, and 25 Year old whiskies— I only ever saw these in travel retail, but I believe they had a wider release.

---

Whisky: Longmorn 18 Year Double Cask

Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside

ABV: 48%

Cask: American Oak Barrels, Hogsheads

Age: 18 Years (Bottled 2019)

Notes: Apricots and stone fruits arrived with a tropical accent of tart passionfruit curd. A core of malty sugars and pastries provided butter rolls, scones, and brown sugar buns with a touch of maple syrup. Oak cabinetry and old newspapers lingered in the background with dry baking spices providing some woodsy undertones. Medium-bodied, though on the lighter side, the flavor profile featured rich plums, apricots, and concentrated yellow fruits— a bit of black cherry, vanilla, and cream left me thinking sweet yogurt cups, though it was never quite creamy enough to fully commit. Brown sugar buns and sugar cookies sat one row back with more dried fruits and some toffee bars which came to the fore with more time to rest. The finish was medium-length with more oak cabinetry and baking spices finally appearing again among the dried fruity sugars. 

---

Score: 7 (83)

Mental Image: Comfort Pastries in the Early Morning

Conclusion: This was lovely. Sure, I would love it if this came at a slightly higher strength, or even a cask strength edition, but 48% is most of the way there. Though I already commented on it at the outset, let me say again how odd it is to me that official bottlings of Longmorn are so few and far between considering the distillery has been a favorite of whisky enthusiasts since the 1970s (and this is partly why independent bottlings can be pricier than one might expect.) Overall, lovely stuff— I was surprised how much I enjoyed this and will look for a chance to try the refreshed core range when I have an opportunity.