Longmorn 11 Sauternes and Oloroso Double Cask Finish - 56.7%
From the bottler
The Whisky Cellar is an Edinburgh-based independent Scotch Whisky bottler, selecting casks from its private stock at the peak of their character.
Bottled a parcel of several single casks at a time, each individual series under our ‘Private Cellars Selection’ label is studiously chosen to deliver a wide spectrum of natural colour, aroma and flavour.
“Unconstrained by age or statement of vintage, regionality or cask type… if our tasting panel love the whisky enough, we will bottle it.” – Keith Bonnington, Founder.
Matured for 11 years, including a full year in a fresh Sauternes wine barrique and a further six months in a first-fill Oloroso Sherry cask, delivering yellow stone fruits, sultanas, dark plums, red apple and a touch of ripe fig.
Cask #9065, Only 307 bottles.
Appearance: Burnished gold, forms a thin line which beads before gradually falling as slow, thin legs.
Nose: Rich sultanas, candied peel, sweet red apple skins, Armagnac, roasted pineapple and honey.
Palate: Dried fruit and citrus peel soaked in Calvados, Danish pastries filled with apricot jam, ripe dark plums, a little spice from dark chocolate coated ginger and a hint of old leather. A few drops of water bring out more fruit, chocolate and honey notes, also adding a little more creaminess to the mouthfeel.
Finish: More rich dried fruit and apple brandy, with a little cinnamon and ginger warmth
Summary: The Whisky Cellar are one of those independent bottlers who always manage to impress, and the results obtained from the double cask finishing of this malt are a real testament to the knowledge and expertise in the company.
This Longmorn is a complex and beautifully balanced expression of honeyed sweetness, spice and rich fruit. The Sauternes cask influence is evident but not overpowering, instead subtly building on the sweet, aromatic Longmorn spirit with notes of stone fruit.
The second ‘finishing’ in a first-fill Oloroso sherry cask has added so much depth and complexity in such a short space of time, bringing those rich notes of dried fruit, dark chocolate and a touch of savouriness. Addition of a few drops of water take this up another notch for me, bringing out even more of the sweet fruit and chocolate character of the whisky and adding creaminess to the mouthfeel.
This is a big, robust whisky, one which is perfect for a winter’s evening sitting by an open fire. With a price around £80, grab one while you can.
Transparency: this sample pack was received free of charge for independent review. The author has no affiliation with the bottler, all opinions are my own and remain completely impartial.
If you would like to know more about The Whisky Cellar and their range of whiskies, please follow the link to the company website.
The Whisky Cellar whiskies are available at Master of Malt among other retailers, click the images below to be taken to their website.
