Loch Lomond Heavily Peated Single Malt

A gift I always appreciate. Thanks mom! To me, this is a budget bottom-shelf offering, and you can't miss its almost 50/50 watered-down feel. The peat feels more like ash. Something I usually like, but then it needs something more, like fruit and berries from the yeast. This is probably something you could use as an introduction for someone who has never had a peated dram before. But for someone accustomed to Ardbeg, Caol Islay, and Lagavulin, it's really weak. If you mix drinks, it might be an alternative; I don't. Nose: Yellow pear, fusel oils, and campfire, all very light. Palate: Peat and ash. Nothing aggressive or trying to overpower you, though. Although it's low ABV, the alcohol spikes a bit too much. Feels like they didn't even try to hide it. Finish: The aftertaste isn't much to speak of. It disappears quickly and leaves you with a dusty and tannic sensation. This isn't the best Loch Lomond has produced. They know it, and we know it, but for the price..?...well, I don't know...

Fruity, without sherry cask influence, featuring pleasant wood-fire peat notes. An easy-drinking spirit with a slightly oily mouthfeel. Good value for the price. Nose: Plum compote, raisins, orange peel, slight wood. Mouth: Fruit, similar to plums and red apple. Peaty! Finish: Peat and sweet smoke. A streak of leather and perhaps hints of leather.

Okay, a common whiskey, a bit thin.