The Duchess releases two excellent sherried malts
The Duchess has sent us two samples of distilleries that have fallen out of view with independent bottlers. Well, actually, whisky from the Dalmore Distillery you almost never see in the hands of an independent, so there you go. The Duchess offers something truly unique. The other sample from the Longmorn Distillery actually reminded me of the fact that I do not see this Speyside classic bottled as often anymore. In my early days of whisky enjoyment, especially the older Longmorn, from the 1960s and 1970s, were truly legendary. Also, there was once a wave of 1996 casks, especially via Signatory and brokers working with them. Those were some exceptional sherried malts. Let us see what a modern-day Longmorn has to offer, in this case via our good friend The Duchess. Two sherry casks, coming up!
Longmorn 16 years old, bottled at 52,5 % abv by The Duchess
First things first: Cask # 34 was a PX hogshead and was bottled on 16 December 2025. The whisky was distilled on 26 February 2009.
Upon Sipping: Immediately bursting from the glass with the PX influences up front, but very nicely integrated with the Longmorn spirit, that can be a tad too nutty at times. This feels very balanced, all on fresh red fruit, Nutella spread on a white sandwich and hints of caramel dripping from pure chocolate. A nose to die for! The entry on the palate is soft like praline, before sour cherries take over. Then a good dose of wood comes into play, even giving off a spicy, crushed black pepper vibe. Quite intense. Let’s try this with some water. It does nothing (extra) for the nose, but the palate gains a delightful sweetness that must have rubbed off from the PX cask. Nice little raspberries on the tongue, while the finish remains peppery. More chocolate on repeated sipping.
Word to the Wise: Well, this is one of the best modern Longmorn I have tried in a long time, and also one of the more interesting PX-casks in a long time. This is a must have bottle for lovers of the sherried Longmorn style, no doubt. Were it not for some lack of balance on the finish, this would go to 90 points.
Score: 89 points.
Dalmore 12 years old, bottled at 56,2 % abv by The Duchess
First things first: Cask # 90025-II was an oloroso hogshead and was bottled on 16 December 2025 as well. This whisky was distilled on 7 May 2013.
Upon Sipping: Quite a contrast with the PX Longmorn above. Weirdly enough, I am picking up a strange hint of glue. You know, the type they use in a toddler’s Arts & Crafts class. After this first impression, I notice stewed pears, strawberries with sugar on top and cream to the side, and peach ice tea. Again, a talkative nose, and the sherry prominent. On the tongue, it is rather sticky and dry, with nice almost bourbonlike wood influences. This Dalmore follows the example of the Longmorn and has a peppery finish. Perhaps a style The Duchess looks for in their bottlings? I like it, but it is fierce too. With water, we manage to wash off this glue note, and replace it for a classic oloroso influence. Lovely wood notes, hints of cinnamon, very pure. Lovely to see a whisky side of Dalmore, after all the banter about how they changed their visitor experience (in short: now only for millionaires and their bored partners, who can drink Champagne instead of Dalmore).
Word to the Wise: This Dalmore represents something of the classic quality of single malt whisky. Balance, wood integration with spirit, beautiful aroma and tastes. A bottle to sit down with on Saturday night. Less exuberant compared with the Longmorn, but equally good.
Score: 88 points.