OB Longmorns haven’t really broken into the market since the long defunct 15 year old – irrespective of any OTT packaging – but the steady stream of IBs are always something to keep an eye out for. This Society edition was filled into an ex-bourbon barrel in 2003 and matured for 17 years and disgorged at 57.9%.
Nose: Coffee and walnut cake joins nougat, cream fudge and crème patisserie, whilst ginger spiced peaches are given a floral lift from a selection of pressed flowers and cut stems. The addition of water offers effervescent, fizzing oakiness alongside desiccated coconut, teacakes and pencil shavings.
Taste: The arrival delivers ample spirit weight and quickly reveals peach whipped cream, poached pear and soft toffee. The development broadens things out with gentle char alongside a selection of clays and putties and livened by dusty ginger, a lick of chilli pepper heat and dry earthiness. Reduction expresses the fruitiness of the distillate with tinned orchard and stone fruits joined by dried mango slices and well-judged pepperiness.
Finish: Medium in length with fading field flowers and aromatic, dry oakiness.
A characterfully fresh Longmorn which drinks nicely both out of the bottle and when reduced. There are plenty of sweet and floral asides which provide additional curiosities to the fruity core of the spirit which can be sensed and enjoyed throughout. Nicely done.