First Editions Longmorn 18 Year 750ML

First Editions Longmorn 18 Year 750ML is a non-chill-filtered Speyside single malt Scotch whisky bottled at 43% ABV by Hunter Laing. Part of Hunter Laing's First Editions series — a range built around individually selected casks chosen for character and collectability — this 18-year-old expression showcases the rich, oily distillate that Longmorn is known for among malt whisky enthusiasts, presented without added coloring.

Quick Facts: ABV: 43%  |  Origin: Speyside, Scotland  |  Age: 18 Years  |  Distillery: Longmorn  |  Bottler: Hunter Laing

Production & Heritage

Longmorn Distillery sits near the village of Longmorn in Moray, within the Strathspey whisky-producing area of Speyside. The distillery produces its spirit from unpeated malted barley, using a 50-hour fermentation cycle followed by distillation through onion-shaped pot stills fitted with declining lyne arms — four wash stills (approximately 16,820 liters each) and four spirit stills (ranging from 13,000 to 15,000 liters). This configuration promotes a heavier, oily distillate that takes exceptionally well to long maturation. As an independent bottling, the First Editions Longmorn 18 Year Old is released without chill-filtration or added coloring, preserving the full texture and natural character of the cask-matured spirit.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Sweet and inviting from the first nosing, opening with toffee apples and soft butterscotch before giving way to vanilla, ripe melon, and citrus oil. Beneath the fruit sits a refined layer of aged oak and a dry, old-books quality that signals maturity.

Taste: The palate arrives rich and juicy, with apricot, mango, and stone fruit driving the entry. By mid-palate, honeyed caramel and orchard fruit sweetness build, balanced by elegant baking spice and a malty richness that reflects the distillery's characteristic weight. The oily texture coats the mouth and carries each flavor through with clarity.

Finish: Medium-long and warming, with lingering notes of gentle oak spice, dried stone fruit, and a subtle malty sweetness. The non-chill-filtered body keeps the finish full and textured as it slowly fades.

How to Drink First Editions Longmorn 18

At 43% ABV with no chill-filtration, this whisky rewards neat sipping in a Glencairn glass; a few drops of water can open up additional fruit and oak nuances without thinning the body. For cocktail use, the rich fruit and toffee character makes it an excellent base for a Bobby Burns, where the stone fruit and spice complement sweet vermouth and Bénédictine. It also works well in a Whisky Sour, with the honeyed caramel and citrus oil standing up to fresh lemon. A simple Rusty Nail pairs the malt's natural sweetness with Drambuie for a Speyside-forward take on the classic.

Best For

• Independent bottling collectors seeking non-chill-filtered Speyside single malts
• Gifting a whisky enthusiast who appreciates cask-strength and natural-color expressions
• After-dinner sipping alongside dessert or a cheese course
• Exploring Longmorn's distillery character outside the official range

Frequently Asked Questions

What does First Editions Longmorn 18 taste like? It delivers a rich, fruit-forward profile dominated by apricot, mango, and honeyed caramel, balanced by gentle oak spice and a malty, oily texture from Longmorn's distinctive pot stills.

How does First Editions Longmorn 18 compare to the official Longmorn 16 Year Old? The official Longmorn 16 is bottled at 48% ABV as a distillery release with different cask selection and potentially chill-filtration, while the First Editions 18 is bottled at 43% ABV without chill-filtration or added color, offering two additional years of maturation and a presentation that prioritizes natural cask character over consistency across batches.

Is First Editions Longmorn 18 good for sipping neat? Yes — the 18 years of maturation, non-chill-filtered body, and 43% ABV make this a well-suited expression for neat drinking, with enough complexity and texture to reward slow, attentive sipping.

Where is First Editions Longmorn 18 made? The whisky is distilled at Longmorn Distillery in Moray, within the Speyside region of Scotland, then selected and bottled by Hunter Laing & Co. as part of their First Editions independent bottling series.

What foods pair well with First Editions Longmorn 18? Aged Comté or Gruyère cheese highlights the malt's toffee and oak notes. Poached pears or tarte Tatin mirror the orchard and stone fruit character. Honey-glazed duck bridges the sweet and savory elements. Crème brûlée echoes the butterscotch and caramel on the nose. Smoked salmon offers a contrast that draws out the whisky's citrus oil and spice.

What sizes does First Editions Longmorn 18 come in? This expression is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is First Editions Longmorn 18 worth the price? It positions in the premium tier for independently bottled single malts, offering 18 years of Speyside maturation with non-chill-filtered, natural-color presentation — details that represent genuine added value for drinkers who prioritize transparency and cask integrity over brand-name bottlings.

Why First Editions Longmorn 18?

Longmorn has long been regarded as one of Speyside's most underappreciated distilleries, prized by blenders for its oily, full-bodied spirit but less commonly encountered as a single malt outside the official range. The First Editions bottling gives access to that distillery character at 18 years of age, presented without chill-filtration or added coloring — preserving the natural texture and hue imparted by the cask. Hunter Laing's cask selection philosophy emphasizes individuality, meaning each release captures a specific moment in that cask's life rather than targeting a house profile. For drinkers interested in experiencing Longmorn's weighty, fruit-rich distillate on its own terms, this independent bottling offers a transparent window into the spirit.