Longmorn distillery

Introduction to Longmorn Distillery

A distillery with a passion for craftsmanship

Longmorn is a Speyside Scottish distillery that perfectly combines traditional craftsmanship with subtle modern refinements. Located in the heart of Scotland’s most densely populated whisky region, Longmorn has built a reputation for delivering exceptional spirit – created with profound respect for ingredients, technique, and terroir.

Often referred to as “the distiller’s distillery,” Longmorn enjoys particular esteem among industry insiders and blenders who prize its rich, complex spirit as a cornerstone component in many prestigious blended whiskies.

Why we have a soft spot for Longmorn

At Vault of Spirits, we value distilleries that create something truly distinctive in both flavor and identity. Longmorn stands out for its meticulous production methods, which deliver a consistently excellent spirit with remarkable depth and complexity.

The distillery’s ability to create a perfect balance between fruity sweetness, malty richness, and subtle spice makes each bottling a masterclass in whisky craftsmanship – a quality we deeply appreciate in our carefully curated selection.

The History Behind Longmorn

Origin and development

Longmorn Distillery was founded in 1894 by John Duff, a visionary entrepreneur who had already established the neighboring Glenlossie Distillery. Located near Elgin in Speyside, the distillery was built during the whisky boom of the late Victorian era.

Duff, having returned from South Africa with grand ambitions, designed Longmorn to be a state-of-the-art facility, incorporating the latest distillation technology of the time. The name “Longmorn” derives from “Lhanmorgund,” meaning “Place of the Holy Man,” referring to an ancient local church.

Despite early success, financial difficulties following the Pattison Crash of 1898 forced Duff to sell the distillery. Through the 20th century, Longmorn changed hands several times before becoming part of the Chivas Brothers portfolio under Pernod Ricard, where it remains today.

The people behind

The distillery is currently operated by a dedicated team of craftspeople who maintain the exacting standards established over its century-plus history. Under the stewardship of Chivas Brothers’ master blenders and distillers, Longmorn continues to produce spirit that upholds its reputation for exceptional quality.

Each decision in the production process reflects a commitment to preserving Longmorn’s distinctive character while subtly evolving its profile to meet contemporary tastes without compromising its essential nature.

The Craft and Production

From raw material to finished product

Production at Longmorn begins with high-quality Scottish barley, carefully selected for its starch content and conversion potential. The distillery maintains a slightly longer fermentation period than many of its Speyside neighbors – typically around 60 hours – which contributes to the development of its fruity character.

Distillation takes place in Longmorn’s distinctive copper pot stills, which feature an unusual straight neck design with a slight constriction. This particular shape encourages reflux, allowing only the finest vapors to pass through to the condenser, resulting in a remarkably clean and elegant spirit.

The slow, careful distillation process is considered crucial to developing Longmorn’s signature full-bodied yet refined character.

Maturation and aging

Aging primarily occurs in a combination of ex-bourbon American oak casks and European oak sherry casks, with spirit typically maturing for a minimum of 16 years for the core expression. The warehouse conditions in Speyside, with its moderate climate, allow for a gentle, consistent maturation that preserves the distillery character while adding complexity from the wood.

Some special releases benefit from finishing in more unusual casks, including port and wine barrels, which introduce additional layers of flavor to complement the robust spirit. The result is a whisky with exceptional balance, where fruit, malt, and oak integrate seamlessly.

Selected Products from Longmorn

Longmorn 16 Year Old – An introduction to the house style

This expression is the perfect entry point to understand the distillery’s DNA. Notes of ripe orchard fruits, vanilla custard, and honeyed malt create a luscious palate, while hints of cinnamon and nutmeg provide gentle spice. The trademark silky texture and remarkable balance make this a favorite among both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts.

At 48% ABV, it offers substantial body and presence without overwhelming the senses, allowing the full complexity of the spirit to shine through.

Longmorn Distiller’s Choice – A modern expression

This NAS (No Age Statement) release takes a more contemporary approach, combining spirits matured in three different cask types: traditional oak, sherry casks, and hogsheads. The result is a more accessible yet still complex whisky with pronounced notes of toffee apple, chocolate orange, and gentle spice.

The Distiller’s Choice showcases the versatility of Longmorn’s spirit and provides a different perspective on the distillery character – one that emphasizes its adaptability to different wood influences.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

Longmorn operates as a working distillery rather than a tourist attraction, making it one of Speyside’s hidden gems. While not regularly open to the public, occasional special tours can be arranged for dedicated enthusiasts through specialized whisky tour operators or during the annual Spirit of Speyside Festival.

Those fortunate enough to visit can expect an authentic, in-depth experience focused on production methods rather than commercial presentation – truly a whisky lover’s delight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Longmorn?

Longmorn is a Speyside single malt whisky distillery producing spirit characterized by exceptional smoothness, fruity complexity, and malty richness. Their approach combines traditional distilling methods with careful cask selection to create whiskies that showcase depth and elegance in perfect harmony.

Where is Longmorn located?

The distillery is situated in the Speyside region of Scotland, approximately 3 miles south of Elgin in Moray. This location places it in the heart of Scotland’s most famous whisky-producing region, where the soft water, temperate climate, and rich agricultural heritage contribute significantly to the character of its whisky.

What characterizes Longmorn whisky?

Longmorn is particularly known for its remarkably balanced and complex spirit with a distinctive silky mouthfeel. Key flavor characteristics include orchard fruits (particularly apple and pear), creamy vanilla, honey, and delicate spice. The distillery’s whiskies typically feature exceptional integration between fruity sweetness and oak influence, creating a harmonious drinking experience.

Where can I buy whisky from Longmorn?

You can find selected bottles from Longmorn at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate the best expressions – including both core releases and limited editions – ensuring you have access to something truly special. Our selection represents the finest examples of this distinguished Speyside distillery’s craftsmanship.