The Lochlea 5 years old celebrates the Lochlea Distilleries release of their first 5 year old single malt. Two of the 5 casks used are from the distilleries first filling in August 2018. The expression combines two first fill ex bourbon casks, one first fill Oloroso Sherry cask, one double matured Oloroso Sherry cask and a double matured Pedro Ximènez Sherry cask. The whisky is bottled at 50% abv.
We have barely had Lochlea on our shelves for 5 months, let alone 5 years… and yet, its quickly becoming one of our favourites. Releasing a spirit with such a young age statement (and being proud of it too) is becoming less and less taboo, especially amongst younger distilleries like Lochlea and Ardnamurchan. This release has quality well beyond its age. Can’t wait to see whats next from the distillery!
Tasting Notes:
Nose:Â Hazelnuts and vanilla oak, baked pineapple, summer red fruits with sweet floral notes with a slightly tart aroma.
Palate:Â Rich with dark fruits, cherry compote, pear tart, hints of citrus and candied spices.
Finish:Â Long with black pepper, tobacco and nutmeg, hints of leather and still delivering the dark fruit notes on the palate.
The Lochlea distillery was founded in 2018 in Ayrshire, Scotland, making this distillery the newest to open in the Lowlands region. With a strong launch in 2022, and an identity driven by sustainability, and locally grown barley, they have managed to bring weight to their new-style concepts with incredible clean spirit and an impressive cask regime.Â
Currently, they maintain a consistant core release, alongside yearly limited releases themed around the agricultural seasons of Scotland. Distillery manager, John Campbell, will be a recognisable name from his time at Laphroaig, and has been working with Lochlea since distillation started in 2018.
