Longmorn 8yo 2003 (61.6%, SMWS, 1st fill barrel, 7.69)

On the nose there are tree fruits, golden syrup and some very nice oak spice. Some further investigation reveals some good malt (as one would expect from Longmorn and of course some good notes from the ex-American cask (vanilla etc). With water there’s some good fragrance in with the malt and some creaminess. The undiluted taste is very active and strong but brings out a little green notes, more fruit, dried and uncured tobacco, malt and more of the syrup but now everything is concentrated. Very nice! With water it’s slightly more appealing (although the undiluted sample is very engaging too) with more of the tree fruits and tobacco and some really nice sweetness and (bonus) some really good dark chocolate moments. The finish is strong and has hints of heather and rose water but still the tobacco and malt moments are still there tying it all together. It’s a very big finish that is quite active and has some staying power. Malt, malt too.

A little goes a long way; very good from start to finish. Only 150 bottles imported into the USA (The total outturn is not specified).

$85

Score 86 points

To order (& to join) contact the Society at 1 800 990 1991 or www.smwsa.com and please visit HERE to read the official notes. Sample kindly provided by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society of America. Sample  one of four this week.