Origin: Lowlands (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Gradation: 50%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry
Chillfiltered: No
Added colouring: No
Owner: Lochlea Distilling Co.
Average price: € 120.00
Official website: www.lochleadistillery.com
It seems like only yesterday that I tasted the first age-declared whisky from the young Lowlands distillery, and here is the six-year-old, released on Burns Night in January 2025.
Matured similarly to its younger sibling, with three first-fill ex-bourbon casks and as many ex-oloroso sherry casks dating back to 2018, and 2,500 bottles produced, the result of a collaboration between distillery manager Darren McCormick and new Master Blender, Jill Boyd.
Tasting Notes
Salted butter and malt are the first to show up on the nose, amidst shortbread, biscuit and scones, followed by red fruit jam (blueberries and blackberries), spices (nutmeg, cinnamon, a pinch of cumin), brown sugar and rum and raisins ice cream. Undertones of wet grass and freshly cut wood, with a slight musty note. Young but with good balance.
On drinking, it starts with notes of cinchona and liquorice combined with sour cherries, carob, blackberries, sultanas in spirit, blood orange juice and coffee liqueur. Ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon frame brown sugar, malt cream, almonds, praline peanuts and a generous sprinkling of lemon. Vegetal and woody notes in the background, with a saline and mineral edge that comes to the fore along the length.
The finish is quite long and dry where the spices (ginger, nutmeg) and the herbaceous and malty side dominate, with balsamic tips along the length.
A clear step forward compared to the five-year-old, although it still shows some youthful smears that are gladly forgiven given the pleasantness of the drink. Before ten years of age, in my opinion, it will easily reach excellence.
Vote: 84/100