Origin: Lowlands (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Gradation: 46%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon first fill, ex-Sherry, ex-STR
Chillfiltered: No
Added colouring: No
Owner: Lochlea Distilling Co.
Average price: € 60.00
Official website: www.lochleadistillery.com
Vote: 85/100
After the Sowing and Harvest Editions, which follow in name the stages of barley cultivation, here is the first bottling to become a permanent part of the Lowland distillery’s portfolio.
Released in mid-2022, as the name implies it’s a representation of the spirit of Lochlea, made from barley grown in their fields, combined with the art of John Campbell.
Whisky at the moment still very young with triple maturation (including ex STR wine casks) which is perhaps a little risky especially when you want to enhance the raw material, but who am I to contradict Campbell?
Tasting notes
Calm start to the nose, with fruit (apple, pear, peach, white melon, currant), vanilla, wildflower honey, marzipan and a touch of orange, in a soft and delicate complex to which the considerable contribution of malt and cereal adds a rather pleasant agricultural verve. Along the length, inflections of white wine and a slight nutmeg.
The palate is lightly spiced (nutmeg, cinnamon, a pinch of pepper) and with a good texture, opening up to the fruit of the nose with the addition of a toasted cereal component tending towards coffee, followed by vanilla, malt biscuits, nuts, almond oil and a dash of lemon. Astringency in crescendo.
Quite long finish with good oiliness, of toasted cereals, nuts, a touch of spice, wood, vanilla.
Lochlea’s distillate wins (again) the challenge of the short maturation, with a creaminess that you do not expect and a commendable balance of the casks, where each plays its part in harmony in an effective and very drinkable whole.