I was intrigued by the Symmington’s Choice line up when it began to appear online in 2024, but considering how intense some of the maturations appeared (based on the color and the few tasting notes I saw), I managed to fight off my FOMO. I love a good Longmorn, but I often prefer it with a lighter maturation, and I am no fiend for sherry bombs. So, I approached this malt with some trepidation and restrained expectations.

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Whisky: Longmorn 19 Year (2005), Signatory Vintage Cask 18070

Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside

ABV: 62.6%

Cask: First Fill Sherry Butt

Age: 19 Years (Distilled 3 March 2005, Bottled 26 April 2024

Notes: The sherry assault was on as an army of red fruits and berries carried waves of fudge and dark chocolate— it was molten chocolate cake and fruit for dessert. More subtle layers of anise and clove lingered in the background, and cinnamon joined with more time, as hot chocolate mix and marshmallows arrived. Spiced chocolates and decadent desserts put the holidays in mind with a touch of holly, soot, pine logs, and leather polish. Full-bodied, the palate had a tannic weight and a touch of spirited prickle. The flavor profile featured loads of chocolate fudge, baking spice, and coffee. The sweetness level was well in check, and the flavors were almost savory as a result— a mole sauce more than a fudge fondu this time. Peppercorns and a kiss of salt provided a meaty turn for the malt, like the bark on a smoked brisket. The finish was medium-length and drying with pepper, chocolate, and a touch of vanilla.

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Score: 8 (87)

Mental Image: Christmas around the Roast

Conclusion: This turned out to be far more to my taste than I expected. I am not a big fan of these wild sherry behemoths, but this had a wonderfully restrained sweetness and savory quality. There was not much Longmorn character left to it, which would be my main complaint— this could be anything— but when the cask is this good, you can forgive the malt for lounging in the background instead of the spotlight. I am less convinced that fans of sherry bombs will find what they want here, and the middling whiskybase score (87 at the time of writing— a high score for me, but low for most of WB) may bear that out. A sherry bomb for the sherry disinclined? Maybe. Overall, I was a fan.

Image Credit: The Whisky Barrel