Loch Lomond 12 Year

I previously appreciated Loch Lomond 12 years ago, finding it a solid peated scotch under $40, comparable to Speyburn 10. Recent negative opinions from respected sources made me question my past assessment. However, after acquiring three bottles on clearance for $27 each, I decided to revisit it after nearly two years in my cabinet. Despite initial fears, I found it to be quite acceptable, especially at that price. The nose offers smoke and pleasant orchard fruits, making it enjoyable by a fire. There's a subtle, slightly artificial sweetener-like quality on the palate, akin to stevia in coffee, which I can overlook given the $27 cost. The presence of smoke, pear, and honey remains enjoyable. Curiously, it hints at a sherry finish despite being aged in three types of American oak bourbon barrels, and also has a chocolate note towards its medium finish. It bears resemblance to a less refined Benriach Smoky Twelve, which is superior but considerably more expensive. While I understand it might not be a favorite and recommend seeking alternatives if paying over $40, I still enjoy it and will finish my remaining bottles eventually. My past experience with the NAS Loch Lomond was also positive for its price. I'm intrigued by the Open Lomond, finished in Rioja barrels, priced at $50, and might try it if other options are unappealing. A Rioja finish would be a new experience for me.

I encountered a three-pack of 50 ml samples for AUD$30. I thought, why not. The initial tasting was last night and an acceptable beginning. Now, the 12 and 18 later in the week. Nose: An immediate hit of generic berries, but as if presented in a leather container. Underlying notes of crisp orchard fruits (pear or apple, I'm unsure) and possibly a touch of vanilla, leaning more towards a custard-like vanilla. Palate: Another generic flavor upfront, this time brown sugar, but almost immediately followed by a wave of intense heat. Is there a slight toffee richness that briefly carries a vanilla note between the sugar and the heat? I don't know; my mouth stings. I'm unhappy. The initial sensation is quite oily but also full-bodied. It's short-lived due to the wave of heat. Did I mention I'm unhappy? The heat is purely chili. Nothing positive here. Finish: Drying and tart, perhaps with a faint peaty-iodine hint? I remain unhappy. Unrefined, and fails to impress from an acceptable nose. Assessing a whisky is indeed subjective. Personal preference and bias certainly heavily influence an opinion in this area. However, even things I'm not particularly fond of, I can recognize as good or having merit. I don't believe that's the case here. I think this is objectively poorly made. The nose is redeeming, but the palate and finish are aggressively raw. Some raw whiskies offer a thrilling, intense but enjoyable experience, like white-water rafting. This is akin to having my mouth set ablaze; unhappiness. The progression from no age statement to 12 years doesn't inspire confidence for the 18 later in the week. (A picture of *Homo erectus* is included because that's just my style). A whisky taste #89

Nose: Faint smoke, cooked pear, and a touch of vanilla. Palate: Guava jam, honeydew, a hint of pepper, a wisp of smoke, and gentle vegetal peat. Finish: Guava, black licorice with mild peat at the back of the tongue. The finish is extended. Initially, I was undecided about this bottle, finding it somewhat unfocused with smoky and unusual fruit flavors like guava jam, honeydew, and cantaloupe, plus anise and pepper on the finish. My first few pours would have earned it a 3.5 score. After seven months with the bottle less than half full, the flavors have harmonized beautifully, and my palate has likely adjusted to this unique whisky. It deviates significantly from a typical Highland scotch, perhaps resembling a Campbeltown. It makes me curious about other Loch Lomond expressions. Overall, I'm impressed by the well-integrated, unique flavors in this affordable single malt. I would repurchase it, but it's not ideal for novice whisky drinkers.

Nose: Nice ripe orchard fruits, honey, caramel, a bit of vanilla, cereal, light peaty smoke, but unfortunately, there's a perfume-like quality, almost like paint fumes, that dominates. This is off-putting and detracts significantly from the intended profile; perhaps it's an unusual batch. Tasting: A pleasant blend of fruit and smoke, with notes of baking spices, earthiness, grassy herbs, nice barrel spice, and a peppery finish. The perfume note is less intense than on the nose. Overall, I'm disappointed by the persistent perfume or paint fume characteristic. Without that, it would be quite good.

The initial aroma was strangely reminiscent of tequila, but it improved as the bottle progressed, revealing nutty malt and sugary fruit. The taste is quite smooth and sweet, featuring smoke and a hint of tobacco. The finish is not overly long, with a gentle oak presence. Score - 3.25. The aroma starts off unimpressive but gets better; the taste is the highlight of this one. Scoring Legend 5.0 - Outstanding, unmatched to others 4.5 - Excellent, I will always keep a bottle in stock if possible 4.0 - Very good, quite enjoyable to drink, can consider as a solid choice 3.5 - Good, would taste again 3.0 - Average 2.5 - Acceptable, still drinkable 2.0 - Inferior, able to drink but not enjoyable 1.5 and below—wouldn’t drink again unless I am desperate

A robust Single Malt Scotch from Loch Lomond Distillery, crafted by Master Blender Michael Henry in Scotland's Highlands. It was made using both Straight Neck and Swan Neck stills and aged for 12 years in three types of American Oak casks (bourbon, refill, and re-charred), bottled at 46% ABV. The aroma is vibrant with notes of grain, wood, fruits, nuts, herbs, and spices. The palate is rich and complex, featuring baked apple turnover, peach, pear, yellow plum, and brown sugar. It concludes with a long, bold, and slightly drying finish of oak, vanilla, five-spice, and campfire smoke.