Longmorn 2007

A muscular, chewy and textured single malt from Speyside, enhanced by 16 months in a second fill Virgin Oak cask. It’s one of those whiskies where a single element doesn’t stand out above the others, but the beauty lies in the perfect integration and balance. The nose is deep, with a sweet honeyed and raisiny character, a touch of wax and even of rubber bandages: a very old fashioned Highlands profile, without oaky excesses, fully showcasing its maturity. The same balance is found at the palate, with a malty quality that’s at the same time sweet and slightly peppery, and also quite mineral. It strikes a fine compromise between tannic presence and round fatness. There are hints of farmy notes, ripe bananas, a touch of mustard. The whole is clean, tight, full bodied and firm.