Longmorn 1972 37 Years (Whisky Agency)

I tasted this alongside the Longmorn 1972/2006 for La Maison du Whisky.

Nose: superb refill sherry – it shares a lot of influences with the LMdW bottling, but it’s definitely more elegant. The fruity side is bigger (mostly tangerine, banana and mango) and there are more flowery notes (violets and rosewater with some dry flowers). Big hints of furniture polish and cake. More almonds. Rum & raisins. A delicate whiff of peppermint. The heavy sherry of the LMdW bottling made place for a more fragrant and more complex profile with a better balance. No smoke in this one. Water brings out more red fruit (lovely redcurrant) and amplifies the flowers. Really outstanding.

Mouth: very rich with lots of red fruits but also apricot marmalade and apples. Leather. Hints of tea yet never too dry. A bit of water makes it even more juicy with fresh figs and lush forest fruits.

Finish: very long. The oak is easy to notice but it’s not nearly as invading as in the LMdW.

This Longmorn is exactly how I like my sherry bottlings! One of the best sherried whiskies I’ve come across lately and the best release of 2010 so far. The name “Perfect dram” may well be the truth!

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