Longmorn 40 Years 1975/2015 - Malts of Scotland
When this Longmorn was put into the cask in 1975, the Vietnam War also came to an end. Longmorn itself is one of those distilleries that prefers to work in the background – most of its single malts traditionally end up in blends. This makes it all the more exciting when such a mature specimen finds its way into the bottle.
Tasting Notes
Nose
When we first smell it, we simultaneously think: "Grandma's old woodshed in the countryside." But how chic! There's a hint of rotten, damp wood in the air, as if someone had opened an antique chest. Behind it, heavy red fruits creep in – think of overripe plums that have been lying in the fruit bowl a little too long. A hint of beeswax makes it creamy, while slightly earthy notes (forest floor after rain?) provide grounding. Then it becomes apothecary-like: nutmeg appears like an old acquaintance, followed by an entire apothecary cabinet full of tinctures and herbs. Chalk! Yes, damn it, school chalk. And as if that weren't confusing enough, rose water also floats through – elegant but restrained, like a distinguished lady who doesn't wear too much perfume. This nose is complicated. It demands attention. It wants you to sit down and listen. We nod obediently, but only understand half of it.
Palate
The first sip makes your mouth tingle – you know, that prickly, almost electric sensation on your tongue. The spice hits you immediately: this is no gentle start, it's an explosion of flavour. But – and this is where it gets interesting – despite this intensity, everything remains incredibly well-rounded. Freshly roasted coffee makes its presence felt, followed by slightly burnt nut cake (you know, the crust that everyone wants). White peach brings a fruity freshness that we didn't expect. The whole thing is extremely delicate and multi-layered – as if someone were conducting an orchestra in which each instrument plays solo at times. The spicy oak is always present, but never dominant. It's like a good conductor: you know he's there, but he doesn't push himself into the foreground. After 40 years of barrel ageing, it would have been quite a feat not to become woody.
Finish
"It draaaaaags on like chewing gum," we note. And it's true. This finish knows no end. Soft wood nestles on the palate, lots of oak (surprise!) spreads out, and cinnamon and nutmeg slowly, very slowly, fade away. You sit there, sip, wait, and the whisky is still there. Like that one party guest who doesn't get that everyone else has long since gone to bed. Except that we're not complaining here.
Thoughts
Marcel 90/100
A whisky that doesn’t just play in the background but demands your full attention – this Longmorn 40 Years is like a multi-layered book you need to savor chapter by chapter. Challenging, complex, and honestly a bit taxing, but precisely for that reason, a true treasure for special evenings filled with discovery and moments of enjoyment.
Sascha 88/100
With its impressive balance between intense spice and delicate fruitiness, this Longmorn 40 Years reveals a structured complexity that lingers long after the last sip. The enduring oak presence and the intricate interplay of aromas make it a technically mature expression that remains harmonious and precise despite its demanding character – ideal for discerning connoisseurs who appreciate structure and depth.
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78/100Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Longmorn 40 Years 1975/2015 so rare and special?
Longmorn primarily produces whiskies for blends; their single malts are rarely bottled. This 40-years release from 1975 is therefore an exception, offering an extraordinary maturity that is seldom available elsewhere.
How does the long cask maturation influence the taste of this Longmorn whisky?
The 40 years in the cask impart a complex blend of ripe red fruits, creamy beeswax, and spicy notes like nutmeg and cinnamon. Despite the extended aging, the whisky remains balanced and avoids an overpowering wood dominance.
What special characteristics should one pay attention to when tasting the Longmorn 40 Years?
The whisky presents a tingling mouthfeel with intense spice and layered aromas such as roasted coffee and white peach. The long, lingering finish with oak, cinnamon, and nutmeg invites a mindful and slow appreciation of the flavors.