13/03/2024 Longmorn

Longmorn 18yo (57.8%, The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show 2011, 150b): leftover from earlier this month. Nose: a delicious fruitiness slaps the nostrils with apricots, ripe and stewed, warm pineapple rolled into a paste with a rolling pin, mandarine pulp, and a nut paste, spread on cream crackers with a knife that was previously used to chop onions. Further on, we find rosehips, physalis, and mirabelle plums, not as bold as the initial apricot, and rubber gloves dipped in hot clean dishwater. That is not to say this is rubbery or soapy -- it is neither. It merely paints that specific image in my mind. Hot apricot compote soon comes back in full form. After all, plump apricots can be a little rubbery and squeaky. Anyway. it has a remote notion of a Moka pot too, likely imparted by the strong alcohol. That transforms into a fruity grape brandy, amusingly enough. The fruitiness continues at second nosing, this time accompanied by flowers: daffodils and yellow tulips, handled with those (green) rubber gloves. Water introduces clean linen, and a freshly-paraffined tablecloth. Soon, peach custard takes off. Mouth: ooft! It kicks like a mule. A litre of wood varnish, a mugful of turpentine, six kilogrammes of cracked black pepper, and green rubber gloves. The palate confirms that impression from the nose: it is fairly rubbery, on top of being very powerful. It leaves the palate squeaky clean. The second sip is more flowery too, showing thick yellow petals, daffodils and yellow tulips again. There is a slight bitterness, here, which stops it being a juicy delight, once the heat has calmed down. Soon, a spoonful of sugar sees to it that the bitterness is under control. With water, it feels more metallic, veering towards a pencil-sharpener blade. It is still fruity, though, and showcases minty apricots. Finish: although hot, the finish puts the emphasis back on apricots -- baked, hot, and juicy. That is augmented with a laughably-large dose of unaged eau-de-vie (apple, now), and a pinch of herbs (laurel and fresh marjoram). A very long finish that punches one in the sternum. In line with the nose and mouth, the second gulp brings in yellow flowers dusted in confectionary sugar. That complements the apricots adequately, which are served in a heated mess tin. Water makes the fruit exquisite, a mix of apricots, white peaches, and mint served warm. Fresh, juicy, and lush. As I thought last time, this benefits from not being surrounded by colossal drams that could overshadow it. It shines brighter on its own, and brighter yet with a drop of water. Score with water: 8/10 (Thanks for the sample, cavalier66)