Longmorn Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Longmorn single malt Scotch whisky is one of Speyside’s most respected yet understated names, prized by blenders and whisky enthusiasts alike for its rich, rounded, and full-bodied style. Founded in 1894 by John Duff, the same visionary who later established Benriach and Glenlossie, Longmorn was built during a period of rapid expansion in the Scotch whisky industry. Situated just south of Elgin, it has quietly produced a spirit of exceptional quality for well over a century.

From the outset, Longmorn was designed to be a premium malt for blending, and it quickly became a key ingredient in some of Scotland’s most renowned blended whiskies. Today, under Chivas Brothers (Pernod Ricard) ownership, Longmorn remains an important component of blends such as Chivas Regal and Royal Salute. Yet for those in the know, its single malt is a gem, often described by distillers and critics as a “distiller’s malt” for its balance, complexity, and maturity potential.

Longmorn’s style is shaped by its traditional copper pot stills, which are relatively large and fitted with upward-angled lyne arms. This design allows for greater copper contact and a refined, oily spirit with depth and structure. The distillery sources its water from the nearby Burnside Springs and uses unpeated malted barley to allow its natural fruity richness to shine. Long fermentation times encourage the development of sweet, estery notes that form the foundation of Longmorn’s flavour profile.

The whisky is typically matured in a combination of American oak ex-bourbon casks , which bring vanilla, honey, and toffee notes, and European oak casks, often seasoned with sherry, which add dried fruit, spice, and depth. The result is a well-balanced malt with layers of flavour that stand up well to extended ageing.

While official bottlings of Longmorn have been relatively limited, the distillery has released notable expressions such as the Longmorn 16 Year Old, which replaced the 15 Year Old in the core range, offering a complex mix of orchard fruit, creamy toffee, and soft spice. More recently, premium editions like the Longmorn 18 and 23 Year Old have been introduced, targeting collectors and connoisseurs.

Independent bottlers such as Gordon & MacPhail, Signatory Vintage, and Douglas Laing have played an important role in showcasing Longmorn’s character. Bourbon cask expressions tend to emphasise sweet malt, pear, and vanilla, while sherry casks bring richer tones of fruitcake, chocolate, and warm spice. Well-aged Longmorn from the 1960s and 1970s is especially sought after for its opulent tropical fruit notes and silky mouthfeel.

Flavour-wise, Longmorn is medium- to full-bodied, with aromas of ripe pear, apple, honeycomb, and vanilla cream, sometimes accented by floral or nutty notes. On the palate, it delivers sweet malt, orchard fruit, toffee, and gentle oak spice, with a creamy, lingering finish. Its balance and complexity make it equally enjoyable neat, with water, or paired with desserts and cheeses.

Our Longmorn Single Malt Scotch Whisky selection includes the rich official releases, rare independent single casks, and older vintages that showcase why Longmorn has earned a quiet cult following among whisky lovers. Whether you’re exploring Speyside malts for the first time or seeking a refined bottle for your collection, Longmorn offers a dram of depth, elegance, and enduring quality.