1992 Adelphi Longmorn 20 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

The Longmorn distillery was built in 1894-95, and the name probably means "Place of the Holy Man" - indeed an old chapel once stood on the site of the distillery. The building was extended twice during the 1970s and is currently owned by Chivas Brothers. Maturation largely takes place in x-Bourbon casks, and the malt remains prized by blenders as well as playing a key role in Chivas's acclaimed 18 Year Old blend.

This extra aged expression from independent bottlers, Adelphi, was distilled in 1992 and bottled in 2012. Matuerd in a first fill Bourbon Cask, it is one of only 253 bottles released.

Tasting note: Bright gold appearance. First sniffs offer a glorious, intense glob of pure honey and cereals. It soon evaporates to reveal toasted coconut and vanilla. The second pass turns the volume up a notch, steering the aroma more towards oatmeal ginger biscuit. Several minutes later, fruit becomes evident, namely peaches and cream with hints of cinnamon. Excellent complexity. In the mouth the whisky enters unassumingly, building into a medium dry, moderately warming profile that's creamy by mid palate and with impeccable balance; oatmeal ginger biscuit and honey feature before finishing dry and mildly spicy. Hints of dilute honey and oatmeal biscuit persist with surprising intensity and staying power. Longmorn, but not as we know it, with a price/age ratio that's hard to ignore. 53.5% Alc./Vol.