Lochlea are part of the cool new gang in whisky. They haven’t been around for long, distillation only began in 2018, but they found their groove almost straight away. They produce high-quality spirit, focus on sustainability, and have mastered the art of celebrating provenance without tipping into stuffiness. This makes them a great distillery to introduce to new whisky drinkers. Their whisky dispels the myth that only age-statement releases can be good, and shows how small differences in recipe or distillation can make a big impact.
This was whisky number two on my journey around Scotland, with a visit to the Lowlands.
Aroma: Fizzy lemon sherberts, vanilla, apples and malted milk biscuits.
Taste: Hay barns, butter toffee and apple crumble. This is a rural whisky with an earthy naturalness to it. There is lots of oak influence, which bubbles in the background with a complexity that unveils itself during drinking. The finish is gentle, with lots of fruit and cereal notes.
Real Dram Factor: This is a sweet shop of whisky, subtle but layered with a great story to tell – 8.5.
You will like this if: you like your whisky sweet, fruity and gentle – the proverbial whisky hug.
ABV: 46%
Price: £50-55
Source: A full bottle purchased for my Burns’ night whisky tasting.
Buy Online: https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/lochlea/lochlea-single-estate-orchard-and-oak-whisky/?sku=142501
More Information: https://www.lochleadistillery.com/orchard-oak