Longmorn 11 Years Old M.Wigman Inspiring Friends Hans Dillesse 52.4% 2011

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Distillery	Longmorn
Bottler	Michiel Wigman
Serie	Inspiring Friends Hans Dillesse
Bottled for	The Netherlands
Distilled date	09.2011
Bottling date	12.2022
Country	Scotland
Region	Speyside
Age	11
Cask Type
Cask Number
Alcohol %	52.4%
Volume	0,70
Condition	Perfect
Label	Perfect
Stock	10

Professional reviews

Serge Valentin (89)

Malt Fascination (87)

I guess by now not much of an introduction is needed for the ‘They Inspired’ series by Michiel Wigman. Single cask whisky, selected by the master himself, with a portrait of someone on the label that Michiel finds inspiring.

We’ve had musicians, political figures, and now we’re doing a round through the whisky industry. This Longmorn shows Hans Dillesse as portrayed by Hans Dillesse.

The whisky is from the Longmorn Distillery in Speyside and, by the look and taste of it, matured in a bourbon cask. Michiel recommended to add a drop of water to it, but I forgot. There was only 2cl in the sample, and while trying it on our weekend on Terschelling I didn’t go through documentation when tasting a dram!

Then, not entirely surprising in this case, there’s the issue of price. I know I moan a lot about at least that part of the current situation in the world of whisky. But let’s say there’s gradations in expensiveness.

While I love what Michiel is doing, and especially that he very much holds his own standards quite high, I’m struggling to justify a tag like this. Let’s see if the whisky makes up for it!

Sniff:
A sweet, bourbon cask Speysider for sure! Lots of pastry cream and vanilla notes from the bourbon cask. Baked apple and ripe pears, canned peaches too.

Sip:
The palate quickly builds up with lots of white pepper and oak shavings. A bit sharp but still with quite some pastry sweetness with tinned fruit salad.

Swallow:
The finish shows more notes of oakand barley than before, when there was mostly fruit and pastry.

A bit sweet and straight forward. Nice enough, but I would’ve loved for the spirit to get a bit more room. I think the cask was rather active and imparted quite a few notes of vanilla and other aromas and flavors typically found in a bakery. While that’s all very agreeable, it doesn’t often make for a complex and deep whisky.

Of course, I forgot about adding water and that might indeed make a lot of difference. I guess I’ll have to find out from someone who has a bottle!

BOW (88)

Whisky—the liquid gold that enthralls, seduces, and sometimes baffles even the most jaded palates. Yet, every so often, a dram comes along that forces you to pause, take note, and raise an appreciative brow. Enter the Longmorn 10 Years Old M. Wigman Inspiring Friends Hans Dillesse, bottled at 52.4% ABV, distilled in the crisp air of September 2011 and captured in amber splendor by December 2022. This expression, shepherded into existence by Dutch independent bottler Michiel Wigman, isn’t just whisky; it’s a revelation.

The Nose

From the moment the spirit meets the air, you know you’re in for a treat. The nose hits with a grand wave of vanilla—no half-measures here—interwoven with the soft allure of sweet pastries. Then come the boiled lemon sweets, ushering in memories of childhood confectionery shops, laced with the gentle warmth of stewed apples. But wait—there’s a tantalizing tease of chalk, a whisper of cloves that hints at more complex undertones, and an abundance of ripe, mushy bananas that fill the senses. Add a drop of water, and the citrus expands in an encore, dancing brightly across the olfactory stage.

The Taste

On the palate, it’s as if velvet had a flavor: creamy, enveloping, and utterly satisfying. That initial smoothness gives way to touches of cookie dough—unbaked, still with that delicious promise—and follows through with peaches and baked bananas. But here’s where the Longmorn really asserts itself: an assertive burst of citrus, grapefruits and lemons in full, harmonious chorus. Just when you think you’ve pinned it down, a precise pinch of white pepper cuts through, keeping you on your toes. Subtle, green-tinged notes glide along the edges, complemented by a nod to cloves and an embrace of oak spices.

The Finish

Medium in length but lingering enough to make its mark. There’s a grassy quality that adds an earthiness to the tail end, coupled with persistent lemon zest and the restrained elegance of oak.

The Verdict

This Longmorn is no one-trick pony; it’s a dram with depth and dazzling fruit-forward character. I kept a sip to the side and paired it with a taste of the Secret Islay. The result? The citrus stood proud and tall, underscoring an experience I’d urge any whisky devotee to replicate. If both are within reach, do yourself the favor.

So, here’s the bottom line: sip it alone or share it among friends, this Longmorn 10 Years Old is an unforgettable expression, showcasing the precise, uncompromising craftsmanship that defines the best of whisky. A true celebration of flavor, and a testament to why we keep reaching for that next, hopeful dram.