Lochlea Cask Strength (Batch 2)

The most recent limited-release single malt from Lochlea, an Ayrshire farm distillery that manages its own production cycle, is Cask Strength Batch 2. This second batch is both older and utilizes different casks than the initial 2023 bottling. This batch's cask composition is unique among the distillery's prior releases, comprising ex-Pedro Ximenez sherry (60% of the blend), ex-Oloroso sherry (28%) butts, and STR ex-red wine barriques (12%). Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 2 is bottled at 60% ABV and is both non-chill filtered and of natural colour. Tasting Notes: Nose/Colour - It presents a deep copper, amber hue, resembling a very dark tea but not quite. The aroma is rich and chocolatey. Initial scents of milk chocolate and mocha are swiftly followed by raisin, treacle, and baked apple. Subtle hints of cocoa powder, cinnamon, and a faint citrus lime note are detected in the background. It's inviting and prompts a taste. Palate - This whisky is substantial and potent. It has a thick and somewhat oily texture. Early flavors of caramel and toffee transition into treacle tart and brandy-soaked raisins with a hint of bitter orange peel. Subsequently, baked notes emerge, reminiscent of tarte tatin and apple pastries with a touch of fresh gingerbread. It possesses a secondary palate profile, characterized by savory notes. It brought to mind earthy spices like cinnamon and clove. These are accompanied by pleasant notes of dried fig, evoking good vanilla ice cream drizzled with freshly brewed espresso. At cask strength, some may find that adding water reduces the alcohol intensity and softens the whisky, but for me, it truly shines at cask strength. I will admit that a small amount of water does allow more orange and chocolate notes to emerge, while also muting the earthy spices. Finish - It is long and warming. The initial sweet and fruity notes gradually recede, yielding the spotlight to those earthy spices. Some wood tannins also become apparent, adding a pleasing dryness. This, combined with the other savory characteristics, leads to a very satisfying conclusion. I've intended to write this review for some time, so much so that I've depleted the first bottle and had to purchase another. This suggests I enjoy it enough to repurchase, especially considering its favorable pricing. Full disclosure: I have a particular interest in Lochlea as I own a share in a cask at the distillery (and the yearly samples are looking exceptional). As a new Lowland distillery, Lochlea is, in my opinion, doing something quite novel and distinct from other Lowland distilleries, utilizing intriguing casks with significant character. For a NAS bottling, if you desire a cask strength expression offering complexity and good value, look no further.

Very spirited! It's like sprite and scotch had a baby! It's got a kick and doesn't hide its youth, but it's enjoyable and intriguing!