Origin: Highlands (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 46%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon first fill, refill and recharred
Chillfiltered: No
Added coloring: Yes
Owner: Loch Lomond Distillers (Hillouse Capital Group)
Average price: € 45.00
Official website: www.lochlomondwhiskies.com
Vote: 82/100
We climb the steps of the Highland distillery’s ageing process with the first declared ageing bottling in my hands.
The twelve years spent in ex-Bourbon casks have been divided between first-fill, second-fill and ‘recharged’, as stated on their website, which stands for the rejuvenation obtained through recharring (thanks to David McCallum who helped clarify the process).
The alcohol content is raised to 46% (good), while maintaining false colouring (bad), but in the end it’s all about aesthetics: we are to drink, not to look at details!
Tasting notes
A veil of yeast is complemented by notes of malt and shortbread, green apple, unripe banana, a touch of anise and a splash of lemon. At times, impressions of wet dog. A decidedly young nose, simple and direct, not very prone to pandering, but not banal.
A spicy touch in the mouth, which announces a more full-bodied and soft whisky on the palate, where the sweet tones make themselves felt with apple tart, butter, toasted cane sugar, vanilla and a hint of liquorice. More lemon juice. Rather dry thanks to the persistence of wood in the background, with marked notes of cereals and malt. Doesn’t show any particular evolution, remaining coherent in the soul until the last sip.
The finish is medium-long and dry, woody, with nuts, a light touch of salt, vanilla and apples.
This whisky is certainly not to be sniffed at, but it more than holds its own in the mid-range with aromas and sensations incisive enough to give it personality without standing out. It shows fewer years than those declared, but in the end it doesn’t wear them badly.
Other perspectives:
The Dramble