60,1°
Distillery : Lochlea - Lowlands
1st Fill Bourbon Barrels and Oloroso Sherry Casks
Original Bottling
Limited Edition
Single Malt
Bottled in 2023
Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength
Totally Unpeated
It was in 2023 that the distillery launched this Cask Strength edition, which has since been followed by two other Batches. At the time, the whisky could not be more than 5 years old, and was certainly less. Yet the ageing process features a blend of 1st Fill Bourbon Barrels and Oloroso Sherry Casks, giving hope of a fine balance, and that's Cask Strength. Sounds good. 15,000 bottles were offered for sale.
Let's Taste It :
On the nose, wood and slightly astringent cereals, whitewashed wheat, salted barley, puffed rice, creamy vanilla. Dried grapes, a zest of lemon, a pinch of cinnamon on warm apples, and discreet mineral touches. Dry earth, spring-like fullness. On the palate, more cereals, this time well roasted, toasted wheat, malted barley, which combine very well with pulpy fruits, mirabelle plums and reines-claudes. The vanilla is not to be outdone, giving way to shimmering spices, white pepper, cumin and cloves. The finish is powerful and much longer than expected, with light tobacco, ginger, caramel toffee, smoked bark, orange peel and braised chestnuts.
In Short,
It's true that the palate is still a little light, but for the rest, I've finally noticed a nice character and a fine mix of flavours. The Sherry is discreet, and only enhances the fruity notes of the distillate, giving it a beautiful expression. This is the closest we've come to the quintessence of the distillate of the time. The price is still a little high, but if there's a Lochlea to buy, this would be this one in my opinion.
Score : 87
To Be Listened While Sipping :
Lara Buchanan - Bird Cage
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