Review / Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 1

This whisky is the inaugural cask strength single malt from the Lowland distillery of Lochlea (pronounced lock-lee). The Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 1 has been aged in first-fill ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks in a ratio of 70:30 respectively. These were selected by John Campbell, the Master Blender at Lochlea. All barley used to make Lochlea spirit is grown on the Ayrshire farm where the distillery is located making it a true grain-to-glass operation. The Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 1 is bottled at 60.1% ABV and is both non chill-filtered and of natural colour. It is available through selected specialist retailers in selected global markets. A bottle will cost £65. 

Lochlea was founded in 2015 by Neil McGeoch, under the name Lochlea Distilling Co. It is located in rural Ayrshire to the south of Kilmarnock. He converted Lochlea Farm from beef production to growing barley for whisky making. The distillery is in the old piggery and a cattleshed has been turned into the maturation warehouse. The independent family-owned distillery has an annual production capacity of 200,000 litres. The range of whiskies is ever expanding since the Lochlea First Release was launched in early 2022. 

 

"Our Cask Strength Batch 1 enables our quality to shine through in every dram, showing an amplified version of our signature Lochlea style for those whisky-lovers looking for a bold, yet elegant spirit made with a contemporary approach alongside respected traditions." 

John Campbell.

 

 Our tasting notes

The colour is vibrant gold and the nose is youthful and fresh. Vibrant aromas of crisp green apple and fresh pear combine with vanilla, honey and golden syrup. Underneath are further aromas of malty biscuits and white chocolate covered sultanas with hints of warming peppery spice and lemon zest.

On the palate this whisky is sweet, green and uplifting. Hot peppery spice leads the way and the high ABV prickles on the tongue. As this subsides it is the sweetness and green fruitiness that begins to show well. Notes of white chocolate, vanilla fudge and runny honey marry together with green apple and slightly under ripe pear. Then come the dried fruits - think of juicy sultanas, lemon zest, candied lime and a hint of orange oil. The lime in particular becomes more evolved with time.

Sitting underneath these fresh and vibrant notes are some more savoury elements. This begins with a distinct nutty quality - imagine walnuts, praline and toasted hazelnut - plus a set of warming spices. These include cracked pepper, cinnamon and gingerbread. A pinch of cocoa powder rounds things off.

The finish is a little hot and short if honest. It is here where the high ABV really hinders the whisky. However, with the addition of some water this is negated somewhat. The whisky becomes softer and more toffee-like with nice creamy vanilla and malty notes coming through well. It also softens the tangy apple and pear notes.

What's the verdict?

This is the first in what is scheduled to be an annual release from Lochlea. The bottlings that we have seen to date have all shown significant promise and this is no different. This whisky is clearly youthful but offers something different with its higher ABV compared to the previous releases. Cask Strength Batch 1 is not the finished article but a pointer to what may be coming in the future. We look forward to following the journey.