Loch Lomond Single Grain

I've recently found myself unable to move past one distillery to another, leaving most of their standard range whiskies untried. So, here's another review of the offerings from the recently revamped Loch Lomond distillery. Due to scotch whisky regulations, LL Single Grain can't be classified as a single malt, even though they exclusively use malted barley in its production. The reason is quite simple and goes beyond typical standards – Loch Lomond employs a multitude of techniques, making it difficult to determine if malted barley processed through continuous distillation in a Coffey still can still be considered a single malt at the end. Anyway, let's get to the whisky itself. It certainly shares characteristics of both single malt and single grain whiskies, yet it remains distinctively a Loch Lomond product, which becomes apparent as soon as you open the bottle. The aroma is rich with bright vanilla, almost like Vanilla Coke, as the vanilla presence is substantial, heavy, and sharp. There are also notes of ripe, peppery yellow apples and pears. It lacks the complexity typically found in single malts but is still a superior spirit compared to, for example, Girvan, regardless of how long that damn Girvan has been aged in oak casks. The taste is bold and assertive, with sour notes, fresh herbs, vanilla, and hints of Middle Eastern sweets like baklava and Turkish delight. The finish is pleasant, brief, and warming, also reminiscent of the vodka-like quality noted in the Girvan tasting. Overall, LL Single Grain is enjoyable, and I rank it higher than LL Original Single Malt, primarily because the Original was somewhat disappointing. In my view, single grain whiskies have already lost the battle against single malts in the market, despite efforts by some major companies to promote the idea that "aged single grains are just as good as classic single malts."

Aroma: sweet, light, and fruity. Vanilla, crème brûlée, pastry cream, citrus from orange peels, malt, light woodiness with a peppery note reminiscent of black pepper, slightly herbal leaning towards green tea, and a light warmth from the alcohol. Taste: Largely mirrors the aroma, but with a much warmer alcohol presence. It brings a strong peppery note, followed by significant sweetness and moderate bitterness. The woodiness is more noticeable than in the aroma, but still discreet. Citrus fruit, vanilla, and crème brûlée are also present. The mouthfeel is still that of a light and not very dense whisky. Finish: Medium to short, with a sweet, spicy, and slightly bitter aftertaste. The alcohol's warmth lingers longer than the other flavors. General Impressions: A simple whisky with low oiliness, light body, and no great complexity. It resembles triple-distilled whiskies. The alcohol's warmth in all sensory aspects is this whisky's downside; however, its affordable price balances this drawback. This whisky can be enjoyed with ice, a splash of water, or in cocktails, but it can also be sipped neat if the alcohol's warmth doesn't bother you.

Aroma: The Loch Lomond Single Grain whisky presents a gentle and appealing scent, with notes of sweet vanilla and toasted cereal grains. Subtle hints of fresh fruit, specifically green apples and pears, lend a refreshing quality to the aroma, enhanced by a mild touch of honey and a faint trace of oak. Taste: This whisky has a smooth and creamy mouthfeel, with a balanced sweetness that is both accessible and satisfying. The vanilla notes detected in the aroma are present on the palate, along with a soft, malty character and a hint of caramel. There's a pleasant interaction between the sweet and grainy components, with a slight nuttiness adding depth and complexity. Finish: The finish is moderately long and pleasantly warming, leaving notes of vanilla, cereal grains, and a hint of spice. The overall impression is one of elegant simplicity, making it an excellent option for both casual drinking and as a base for cocktails. Summary: Loch Lomond Single Grain whisky is a skillfully made and enjoyable spirit that highlights the versatility of grain whisky. Its balanced profile and approachable nature make it a reliable choice for both seasoned whisky drinkers and newcomers to the category. With its smooth texture and delightful flavors, it receives a respectable score of 87/100. Score: 87/100

This whisky is affordable, but that shouldn't deter whisky enthusiasts. It's a must-try, especially if you're not a fan of heavy peat. Keep this one in your home bar. This is an excellent example of spirit produced using Aeneas Coffey's continuous still. It shows that a column still, when used skillfully, can create a delightful and high-quality whisky. Despite its pale color, the nose promises intense, sweet fruit aromas like banana and pineapple, with undertones of toffee and pie, though the fruit notes are most prominent. The fruitiness carries through to the palate. The sweetness is slightly less pronounced here, allowing the character of the malted barley (as this spirit is 100% malted barley, similar to single malts) to emerge. The finish is satisfyingly long, allowing you to savor the blend of flavors. While it might not be the most intricate whisky available, sometimes complexity isn't what you seek. It's perfect for unwinding after a long day and enjoying nature's bounty.

Aroma: Citrus, fruity, children's candy, sweet, grassy, grainy Taste: 'Hot' with a little oak spice. Sweet and tropical fruit. Pastry, vanilla, dark chocolate. Wisps of char smoke. Finish: Short finish. Citrus and orange. Light spiciness on the aftertaste. Sweet, 'hot', unrefined, but not particularly unpleasant because of it. A pub whisky - a bit 'meh', but acceptable. I compared this directly with a dram of Spearhead. The Spearhead has a more mature (though still 'meh') flavor profile. Spearhead is produced using the same stills and ingredients, but with a different cut and barrel management approach. It's interesting to observe the difference.

LOCH LOMOND SINGLE GRAIN Subtle sweetness, mid-palate spice, fruity, sugar, caramel. Rating: 2.75 Delicate, a touch of bitterness, iodine-like, flat, high spice. Rating: 1 Oak presence, high and lingering but with bitterness. Rating: 1 SINGLE GRAIN Spicy kick is extremely pronounced, artificial, like machine oil, peach, and artificial sweetener candy. Rating: 1 Intriguing sweet, zesty lemon richness. The flavor profile is actually quite lovely. You also get a hit on your nose mid-sip, with notes of flowers and sweet pear. Rating: 3 Bitter oak notes. Rating: 1 Overall rating: 1.5