Introduction
Longmorn has always been a quiet favourite of mine. Even though it rarely grabs headlines, I’ve found a consistent quality in its whiskies, especially among its age-stated expressions. So when I got the chance to taste the Longmorn 18 Year Old, matured in a mix of American oak and sherry casks, I was genuinely curious to see how the double cask influence played out. I went in expecting the classic Speyside fruitiness, perhaps with some added richness and depth — and for the most part, that’s what the whisky delivered.
Nose
On the nose, the whisky comes across as controlled and elegant. I first picked up baked orchard fruits — mostly apples and pears — followed by a wave of toffee and vanilla. There’s a subtle layer of stewed plums and raisins, likely from the sherry wood, but it doesn’t dominate. A few minutes in the glass brought out a delicate floral note, along with hints of polished oak. Nothing overly bold here, but everything felt well-integrated and gently layered.
Palate
The first sip confirms the balanced nose. The texture is smooth and slightly creamy, with flavours building gradually. Red apples, dried apricots, and sultanas lead the way, with toffee and baked sponge cake following close behind. There’s a mild nuttiness too — something between almonds and hazelnuts — adding some depth. Spice remains in the background: more warming than punchy, with soft cinnamon and nutmeg creating a gentle backbone. I didn’t find much peat or smoke here, which is consistent with Longmorn’s usual character.
Finish
The finish is medium-long, leaning toward the subtle side. The sweetness fades slowly, giving way to a light oakiness and a touch of ginger warmth. Some of the fruit notes linger — mostly dried apple skins and raisins. There’s also a soft, drying tannic note that reminds you of the sherry cask influence without taking over the final impression. It’s a clean and well-resolved ending.
Price and Value
This bottle falls in the premium category, and for an 18-year-old single malt matured in a thoughtful mix of casks, the price is decent, though not inexpensive. What I appreciated was its consistency and balance rather than show-stopping complexity. If you’re someone who values craftsmanship and a classic Speyside profile without aggressive flavour shifts, you’ll probably feel this bottle offers fair value for its asking price.
Background
Longmorn has always catered more to enthusiasts than casual sippers, often staying under the radar despite its strong heritage in Speyside. This 18-year-old release forms part of the “Distiller’s Choice” range, which replaced Longmorn’s older core expressions. It’s matured in a combination of American oak barrels and hogsheads, as well as Oloroso sherry casks — a deliberate choice that lends both clarity and richness to the final whisky.
The distillery itself, founded back in 1894, sits just south of Elgin and has traditionally been a key blending component thanks to its elegant, fruit-forward spirit. You can learn more about their lineup and history on the Longmorn page on Chivas Brothers' website.
Final Notes
Would I buy this bottle again? If I'm looking for a reliable, well-made 18-year-old Speyside whisky with gentle complexity, then yes — it's one I’d happily keep on the shelf. Is it beginner-friendly? Absolutely. It’s soft-spoken but rewarding, making it an accessible introduction to mature, unpeated Speyside malts.
This whisky is well suited to relaxed evenings or small gatherings — it’s not flashy, but it holds attention with quiet confidence. Compared to others in the region, it’s less intense than GlenDronach’s heavily sherried expressions, and more rounded than many Glenfiddichs of the same age.