Longmorn 16 Years Old Speyside Whisky 700mL

For a long time, Longmorn has been a popular component for whisky blenders. Longmorn uses water from local springs and gets the barley from Moray, peat from nearby sources. They used to get the power for the entire distillery from a large water wheel, which is still located in the distillery, no longer in use though.

Independent bottlings of Longmorn are relatively common and frequently outstanding in quality and value (the distillery has a long relationship with independent bottlers Gordon & Macphail of Elgin). The house style of Longmorn is rich and sherried, frequently with pronounced hints of grapefruit.

The very rare “White Horse” bottling of Lagavulin 16 year old from the early 1990s – awarded the ‘Classic Malts of Scotland’ status in recognition of being one of the finest single malts produced! A distinctive and powerful Islay malt, deeply smoky and peaty with a velvety, complex finish.

The flavor is full-bodied and earthy, full of butterscotch and malt, underscored with woodiness and hot spices like ginger and pepper. The finish is peppery as well, rolling out some nice, mellow warmth. I found Longmorn Distiller’s Choice a good Speyside, albeit one that is somewhat too peppery for balance.