Longmorn launches 18YO and 22YO single malts

Speyside whisky distiller Longmorn has committed to only bottling whiskies aged for 18 years or more as it introduces two new single malts.

The new Longmorn 18 Years Old and Longmorn 22 Years Old will form the foundations on the producer’s whisky portfolio. They will be released as annual single-batch whiskies.

Both whiskies have been bottled at cask strength without chill-filtration or added caramel colouring. They were aged primarily in American oak casks.

With an ABV of 57.6%, the 18-year-old is said to have notes of toffee apples, apricots and milk chocolate on the finish.

The 22-year-old, meanwhile, has been bottled at 54.5% ABV and is described as having flavours of hazelnut praline, toffee, citrus and poached pears.

Longmorn 18 Years Old has been priced at RRP €250 (US$269), while the 22-year-old will cost RRP €400 (US$430). Both whiskies are available to buy from The Whisky Exchange.

Kevin Balmforth, cask expert at Chivas Brothers, owner of Longmorn, said: “Longmorn is a blender’s dream. It is the most consistently, highest-quality distillery.

“With the 18-year-old, this style of whisky is accessible and will appeal to whisky drinkers, collectors – it will have universal appeal. The 22-year-old  shows how those few extra years of maturation give some extra richness to the whisky.”

This year marks 130 years of Longmorn – a distillery that has continuously produced whisky since its establishment.

John Duff founded the distillery in Speyside, Scotland, in 1984.

Jayne Murphy, marketing director for malts at Chivas Brothers, said: “This year is Longmorn’s 130th anniversary. Throughout that time, Longmorn has never stopped producing, refining and perfecting single malt whisky of the signature Speyside style from its inception by entrepreneur John Duff to today.

“The new deep purple and statement gold design, which celebrates Longmorn’s origin story, makes these bottles the perfect addition to any drinker, collector of connoisseur’s cabinet.”

Single malts ‘positive’ future

Speaking to The Spirits Business, Murphy said she saw “lots of positives for single malts in particular” when it comes to the whisky category overall. “Consumers are relishing in single malts,” she added.

“Chivas [Brothers] has had great success with single malts in the US. It’s opening up to more global consumers, and we’re seeing demand grow in Asia,” Murphy continued.

“Chinese consumers are really educated and they want to learn even more about the origins of whisky and the different styles we have. For me, it’s a very positive outlook for the category’s future.

“Our focus with Longmorn will be on the new 18-year-old and 22-year-old. But that’s not to say we won’t release more in the future, in terms of special releases.

“First of all, we want to get into as many markets as possible. We are starting with the pinnacle, 18-year-old and 22-year-old; we want consumers to get to know and love Longmorn like we do.

“Yes, it has a high price point, but it has a point of difference – it shows the quality and heritage of the distillery. That’s the beauty of having 130 years of whisky making behind us.”