The Ayrshire farm distillery of Lochlea has revealed its latest seasonal bottling - Lochlea Fallow Edition (Second Crop). The new whisky has been matured exclusively in ex-Oloroso and ex-Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. This is in the ratio of 45% and 55% respectively. The Fallow Edition pays homage to the period of the year where farmland naturally rejuvenates itself after crops have been harvested. The whisky has been created by John Campbell, the Director of Production at Lochlea.
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.
The Lochlea Fallow Edition (Second Crop) is bottled at 46% ABV and is both non chill-filtered and of natural colour. It is available via selected specialist whisky retailers in selected world markets. A bottle will cost £52.
"Fallow season within our farming calendar is a vital time of year for us to regenerate the land ready for our barley to grow well in the spring and summer. This release is important to us, as it gives a chance to tell the story of the farm and explain some of our sustainable practices."Neil McGeoch / Co-founder of Lochlea.
Our Tasting Notes
The colour is deep coppery amber and the nose is bold, rich and heavy with dried fruits. There are aromas of raisin and sultana to the fore, which are supported by darker notes of fig and date. Underneath are further aromas of crumbly brown sugar, toasted hazelnut and milk chocolate, plus baked apple and a hint of candied orange peel.
On the palate this whisky feels rich, bold and syrupy. Notes of brown sugar and juicy dark raisins lead the way and are quickly joined by Cognac-soaked prunes, sultanas and hints of dried figs and dates. Further hints of dark chocolate and black treacle also sit in the background. Underneath sits a distinct malted biscuit-like note, maybe a chocolate malted biscuit, and some soft green apple. This is similar to the baked apple note from the nose and adds lovely depth. Further complexity and structure is added by evolving notes of toasted hazelnut and a hint of almond marzipan, plus some drying woody spices - think of cinnamon bark, mace and a pinch of clove.
The finish is long and fruity with the sweet dried fruits leading the way. These begin to fade and allow the nutty elements and some orange oil to shine briefly. They also fade and this allows the malty and woody notes to drag out the finish. These is a peppery heat and lovely warming hit of savoury baking spices.
What's The Verdict?
This is another fine whisky from Lochlea. Their whiskies have been impressive from the very first release but this Fallow Season adds a different dimension. Most of the distillery's early releases have been on the lighter side and shown the distinctly fruity and malty character of Lochlea's spirit. But the use of 100% ex-sherry casks has lead this whisky in a much richer, sweeter and darker direction. It is absolutely delicious and well worth searching out as the price os pretty good too.
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