Longmorn 1969, Gordon & Macphail for La Maison Du Whisky

Longmorn is a fine fine whisky – one of those ‘God I hope it gets more appreciation but not too much that profit-lust overtakes quality and common sense’ whiskies.

This one comes with thanks from a friend. 1969, a year before the floor maltings closed, and 5 years before the distillery’s 4 stills became 8. Of course stills were still coal fired till 1994, so yes. Old school whisky this time.

Longmorn 1969, Gordon & Macphail for La Maison Du Whisky, cask 5295, 50%

  Nose:  Some sherry casks here. First floral and fragrant – rose and geranium, golden raisons and cherries in syrup. Lots of honey. Lots of cooked oranges.Very classic, very balanced, rich but elegant. Some turnip mashy-earthy old hay notes and crushed almonds. With water: All the sweeter and rounder. More honey, more florals, and now creamy and some old oak. Orange slices, cinnamon.

  Palette: Punchy! Rich and weighty, sweet sherry but with backbone. lots of spice – cinnamon and woody aniseed. Zest and juicy. Lush! Best feature is its firmness – really holds up. With water: Rounder and richer, less punchy but sweeter and fruitier. Playing the same game here.

  Finish: Long, surprisingly dry and pristine on the finish. Orange zest.

Not too sure exactly how old this is – I mean I know it’s old (1969!!) Probably 30+. But if blind, I would have guessed 20s. So vibrant and fresh. Great whisky!