Professional reviews
BOW (93)
There are whiskies. And then, my dear reader, there are Whiskies. Longmorn 41 Years Old Cask 5294 is firmly in the latter camp—a drop so majestic it practically demands reverence. Born in the serene heart of Speyside, distilled on June 11, 1969, and bottled in June 2011 by the legendary Gordon & MacPhail for Van Wees' Reserve series, this is a whisky that transcends time itself. At 59.4% ABV and matured in a 1st fill Sherry Butt, it’s the perfect collision of patience, mastery, and sherry-soaked brilliance.
Longmorn Distillery is no stranger to greatness. A darling of Speyside, it has long been the quiet achiever of the whisky world, crafting single malts of remarkable depth and character. This 41-year-old marvel stands as a testament to its enduring commitment to excellence—a whisky that whispers stories of the past while roaring with unparalleled flavor.
Let’s talk about that Sherry Butt. A 1st fill, no less—its previous tenant, a voluptuous fortified wine, has left its indelible mark. The result? A whisky that’s not just aged but gloriously transformed, infused with layers of complexity and richness that only four decades in such a cask can bestow.
Tasting Notes:
First, let’s marvel at the color: a dark, mahogany gleam that screams, “Look at me!” On the nose, it’s a banquet of dried fruits—raisins, figs, and dates—wrapped in dark chocolate and a hint of oak. There’s a teasing flicker of orange zest that keeps things lively, while the Sherry influence sings in rich, resonant tones.
Take a sip, and the palate envelops you. A rich, velvety texture coats the mouth, delivering waves of Sherry-soaked raisins, toffee, and indulgent dark chocolate. Then come the spices—oak, cinnamon, and a cheeky clove or two—providing balance and depth. At 59.4% ABV, this whisky doesn’t hold back, each flavor intensified, each moment prolonged.
And that finish—oh, the finish. It’s like an encore that refuses to end, a warm embrace of oak, dried fruits, and a soft, nutty farewell.
Bottled exclusively for Van Wees and painfully limited in number, this is not a whisky you stumble across twice. It’s a collector’s dream, a treasure chest for the palate, and a liquid ode to patience and craftsmanship.
Final Thoughts:
Longmorn 41 Years Old Cask 5294 isn’t just a dram; it’s an experience. It’s history in a glass, a tribute to the artistry of distillation, and a love letter to the transformative power of Sherry wood. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on one of these rare bottles, savor it. Sip slowly, dream deeply, and let it remind you why Scotch whisky is one of life’s greatest pleasures.
Serge Valentin (93)
These old Longmorns by G&M can be simply unbeatable. Colour: amber. Nose: a little blocked because of the amazingly high strength, but one can feel that this is just a perfect fruity sherry monster. Not quite a monster, actually, it seems to be quite fresh and, just like the others, very fruity. Figs, raisins, chocolate, drops of old cognac, melon jam, oriental pastries… Oh well… With water: oh, no! I mean, oh, yes! Pipe tobacco, morels, tar, whiffs of gunpowder, ham… Mouth (neat): a.m.a.z.i.n.g. A work of art, a grandiose fruit monster, exceptionally fresh, zesty, partly tropical (the most wonderful blood oranges, bananas)… It’s really immense whisky, hard to beat indeed. With water: please call the anti-maltoporn brigade, thanks. Finish: long, immensely fruity. Liqueurs, jams and syrup but nothing cloying or sickly sweet. Comments: friends who are over-sensitive to gunpowder or struck matches might consider there’s a little too much of that in the nose. I think not.
Official tasting note (93)
NOSE
Some aged leather notes, with a touch of charred oak. Fruity influences and a crème brûlée sweetness.
PALATE
Mouth watering - hints of chilli spices, some exotic fruits influences emerge. Rum and raisin linger with a herbal edge.
FINISH
Long and warming.
