Longmorn 16 Year

A fruity, creamy, malty aroma with lively alcohol and a subtle oak presence greets the nose. Top notes include unripe strawberry, red currant, and red apple, followed by bright citrus – both Meyer lemon and Valencia orange. Then comes malt, clean and subtly sweet, with musky floral notes and a touch of honey. Finally, very subtle yet distinctly tannic oak emerges with a hint of vanilla, akin to smelling vanilla extract in raw cookie dough on a wooden spoon. On the palate, it's momentarily malty sweet, then quickly turns quite sharp and citrusy with a peppery warmth. It then shifts back to sweetness, but with more vanilla and cherry alongside herbal notes. The body is creamy yet light, with a slightly oily and coating texture. Visible 'legs' appear as healthy streams that dissipate quickly, leaving a well-defined ring before vanishing into mist. The long, bitter finish arrives swiftly, dominated by citrus peel, apple skins, vanilla taffy, toasted marshmallow, Chardonnay oak, and tobacco-infused leather. It's a dynamic tasting experience! Nose: 10 Palate: 8 Body: 9 Finish: 7

Aroma: Honey, Maple Syrup, Light Raisin, Grass, Stone Fruit, Cereal grain, Apple, Vanilla, Sharp Lemon Citrus. Palate: Lightly Dried Fruit, Malt, Umami, Quince, Grass, Nuts, Apple, Tangy Citrus, Light Floral notes, Long but Mild Lemony Vanilla finish. This is a powerful whiskey, very spirit-forward, with strong citrus notes throughout. It's sharp around the edges with the quince but has underlying hints of sweetness that complement it well. Personally, I was hoping for more of the honey and maple syrup I detected on the nose, but I still found it very enjoyable. If you're seeking an interesting whiskey, this is a great bottle to grab.

Nose: Fresh with apples and pears. Lemon cake, crème brûlée. Delicate and fresh. Palate: Oily and sweet, crème brûlée and lemon cake are confirmed. Shortcrust pastry with apricot jam. Warm and enveloping. Finish: Medium-long, balanced with honey and shortcrust pastry. Wonderful. Rating 4.50

The bottle has been open for approximately two months. It has gradually improved, and I find it to be a highly enjoyable expression, free from peat and sherry influences. It's quite a distinctive dram, most comparable, in my opinion, to The Türconnel 16. A beautiful amber hue. Shows long legs. Nose is subtle, with faint notes of honey, pear, and oak. Palate: Rich honey, a creamy mouthfeel, and some vanilla. The finish is characterized by oak tannins and spice. It's a long finish where the honey sweetness becomes more pronounced over time. Score: 89

Nose of apple skin, green apple candy, pear, and honey. Taste echoes the nose with spices reminiscent of apple pie filling. Barrel notes seem slightly sharp. Some toasted nuts are present. Concludes with apple butter. Evokes a sense of abundance on a cool autumn day while observing falling leaves. A Speyside, nothing groundbreaking but well-executed.

The elevated 48% alcohol content effectively carries the flavors. It's an exceptionally silky smooth, understated yet elegant whiskey. It presents notes of vanilla, subtle baking spices, berries and cream, with hints of almonds. It's reminiscent of a fruit parfait in a glass. The texture is remarkably silky and smooth on the tongue, as the flavors develop in the mid-palate and transition into a pleasant, moderately long finish.