Longmorn Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Longmorn Distillery
Longmorn, Elgin Morayshire
IV30 3SJ Scotland
Tel: +44 (0)1542 783 417 / Fax: +44 (0)1542 783 418
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Longmorn distillery can be found in the deepest part of the Scottish Highlands between Glen of Rothes and Elgin. The name 'Longmorn' actually evolved from one of the missionaries named Mo-ernin-og, or Maernanog who brought Christianity to the area surrounding Moray. After he died in 625 A.D., a small church was built in honor of this missionary who had become a saint. The church was named Lann Marnoch or the church of St. Marnoch and years later the name was Anglicized to Longmorn.

John Duff joined Charles Shirres and George Thomson to create the Longmorn Distillery Company in 1893. John Duff was a person with many years of experience in the whisky industry by this time in his life. He had been the manager of the Glendronach Distillery for years and he was the founder of the Glenlossie Distillery. Interestingly, he was also involved with the opening of a Cape Town distillery as well as one in the USA. Unfortunately, neither of these attempts were successful. Duff also managed the Bon Accord Distillery in Aberdeen.

In December of 1894, Longmorn Distillery had started production. Blenders were impressed by its taste and quality and in 1897, the The National Guardian stated it "jumped into favour with buyers from the earliest day on which it was offered." Longmorn's admirable reputation was solid.

In 1897, John Duff invested in the building the BenRiach Distillery (established by the Grant Family) which was to be placed next to Longmorn. Timing was unfortunate since the Pattison Crash occurred in 1898. Pattison, Elder and Co. were the biggest purchasers of whisky at the time. They had incredible buying power and distilleries were willing to extend significant credit to them. All the while, the firm's financial situation was precarious and they finally went bust leaving many distilleries crippled. A period of recession soon followed in the whisky business and it ruined Duff.

John Duff had a lot of his capital tied up in whisky stocks and a wine and spirits company he owned failed. As a result, he had to turn over most of the distillery company shares to the bank as security. The control of Longmorn Distilleries Company Ltd. was passed on to some of his customers which included Arthur Sanderson and Arthur Dewar. By 1909, Duff had declared bankruptcy.

The Longmorn Distillery was connected with a variety of firms and individuals. The strongest connection was with Hill, Thomson & Co. Ltd. as well as the manager James Grant and his sons. "Longmorn Grants' remained at the helm until 1970. At this time, they joined The Glenlivet and Glen Grant Distilleries Ltd. and Hill, Thomson Co. Ltd. to form The Glenlivet Distillers Ltd. Due to high demand by blenders, the new owners expanded the distillery.

Glenlivet Distillers Ltd became Chivas Brothers in 1978 and in 2001, Chivas Brothers was acquired by the Pernod Ricard Group.

The whisky at Longmorn Distillery has been distilled and matured in exactly the same way for more than 100 years. Longmorn is aged in oak casks for more than 15 years, it is firm in flavour, but smooth by age. Neil Macdonald, Brand Director for Malts at Chivas Brothers, comments: “Longmorn has been considered the ‘hidden jewel’ of Speyside for many years by distillers and connoisseurs alike."

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LongmornWhisky Distillery

The Longmorn Distillery

Part of Longmorn’s success was the result of the Distillery location. It was on the fringes of the main barley growing area of the Laich o’Moray; and there were plentiful supplies of peat available from the ‘foggie loans’ of the nearby Mannoch Hill. This part of Scotland has a micro-climate and fertile soil perfect for growing barley, so it is no surprise that the distillery was built close to where the finest ingredients possible could be found. The motive power for the distillery was originally provided entirely by a large water wheel that is still there today, though no longer in use.

The Longmorn Distillery is active and produces 3,5000,000 litres per year. In 1972 the stills were increased from four to six and in 1974, they were increased to eight.

Longmorn Distillery does not have a visitors centre.