Review / Noble Rebel Malts

The Highland distillery of Loch Lomond has announced the release of a new range of blended malts named Noble Rebel. The new range is designed to 'push boundaries in the pursuit of flavour' and consists of three expressions - Orchard Outburst, Smoke Symphony and Hazelnut Harmony. These have been created by Michael Henry, the Master Blender for Loch Lomond. 

The Loch Lomond distillery was founded in 1965 by the Littlemill Distillery Company Ltd. After almost 20 years of production it closed between 1984 and 1987 following a takeover. The current owners are the Loch Lomond Group. The distillery is unusual in that it has straight-necked and traditional swan-necked stills. They also produce unpeated and peated single malt, plus single grain whisky through these stills. The annual capacity is five million litres.

Orchard Outburst (pictured, above left) has been matured in ex-bourbon casks and features single malt made with Chardonnay wine yeast amongst others. Smoke Symphony (pictured, above centre) features peated malts and has been finished in ex-Rioja red wine casks from Spain. Hazelnut Harmony (pictured, above right) has been finished in heavily toasted American oak casks. 

Noble Rebel's rebellious nature is brought to life with a series of illustrations that adorn the labels. These are different on each bottling. All are bottled at 46% and non chill-filtered and of natural colour. The three expressions are available from selected specialist whisky retailers in the UK. Other markets will follow later in 2023. Each bottling will cost £40.

 

Our tasting notes

Orchard Outburst

The colour is pale lemon yellow and straw-like. The nose is fruity and uplifting with delicious aromas of crisp green apple, fresh pear and other orchard fruits. There is also an underlying maltiness and hints of cocoa powder, vanilla and custard powder. A distinct pepperiness catches in the nostrils. 

On the palate this whisky feels green and luscious. Plenty of honeyed notes come through immediately and alongside green apple and pear. With time the combination develops to be reminiscent of fairground toffee apples. Vanilla and something yeasty sit underneath, as does a note of green grape and juicy sultana. Further notes of soft fudge and caramelised pear come through later as do hints of cocoa powder, gingerbread and a suggestion of clove. The heat returns at the end, which makes the whisky a little peppery and sharp right at the close.

Smoke Symphony

The colour is deep gold with a tint of amber and the nose has aromas of dusty and ashy peat smoke, plus dark dried fruits and milk chocolate. Underneath are further aromas of hazelnut praline, brown sugar, caramel and a pinch of white pepper. A late hint of Cognac-soaked prunes also comes through nicely.

On the palate this whisky is rich and bold with the ashy and dusty, maybe slightly sooty, peat smoke dominating early on. Then the sweeter and fruity notes begin to come through to add balance. Luxurious caramel mingles with milk chocolate and some underlying nutty characteristics - think praline again but with a hint of walnut. Dried fruits then develop well, especially raisin and prunes. These sit alongside hints of orange oil and menthol. The combination between these elements and the bold peat smoke works very well. The finish is long. The sweet and fruity notes draw it out and slowly fade to leave the ashy smoke and a peppery heat to leave a mouthwatering complexity.

Hazelnut Harmony

 

The colour is light vibrant gold and the nose is nutty, grassy and chocolate-like. Aromas of toasted almond and hazelnut praline lead the way and are supported by some lovely hints of milk chocolate and cinnamon in the background. There is a hint of cookie dough, fresh green grass and apricot jam.

 

On the palate this whisky is initially sweet with notes of honey, golden syrup and apricot jam coming through well. There is also a growing note of vanilla infused sugar and Victoria sponge cake. Then come the chocolate and cinnamon elements from the nose, plus a distinct and evolving nuttiness - think of almond paste, hazelnut praline and a hint of bitter walnut. The finish becomes distinctly oaky, especially once the sweeter notes fade. The length is good because of this and becomes warming and pleasantly dry.

 

What's the verdict?

 

The Nobel Rebel range is a lovely set of whiskies that show plenty of character and complexity. Each is pushed in a different direction but all show really well. The Orchard Outburst is fresh, vibrant and packed with green fruit while Hazelnut Harmony is nutty, sweet and oaky. Smoke Symphony is richer and with a lovely ashy peat smoke. This range is superb and offers a good way into the world of blended malts. Probably one of the best we have come across recently. They also offer great value for money at £40 per bottle.