This whisky is the latest small batch single malt from the Lowland distillery of Lochlea. The Lochlea Harvest Edition (Third Crop) is released as the award-winning field-to-bottle distillery celebrates its sixth birthday and has been created by John Campbell, the outgoing Director of Production at Lochlea. Harvest Edition forms part of a wider series inspired by the farming year and features Sowing, Fallow and Ploughing Editions also. The Third Crop will be the final bottling for each.
Lochlea was founded in 2015 by Neil and Jen McGeoch. It is located in rural Ayrshire to the south of Kilmarnock. They converted Lochlea Farm from beef production to growing barley for whisky making. All whisky is produced using barley grown on the farm. The distillery is in an old piggery and a converted cattleshed is one of the maturation warehouses. The independent family-owned distillery has an annual production capacity of 200,000 litres. Their inaugural whisky, Lochlea First Release, was launched in early 2022 and followed by their core product, Our Barley, later that year.
Lochlea Harvest Edition (Third Crop) features a pocket of whisky that has been double matured, firstly in refill ex-bourbon barrels and then ex-Port wine hogsheads. There is also a single ex-Oloroso sherry butt in the mix. It is bottled at 46% ABV and is both non-chill filtered and of natural colour. The new whisky is available from selected specialist whisky retailers in the UK and limited other world markets. A bottle will cost £52.
Our Tasting Notes
The colour is bright gold with a slight reddish tint and the nose is expressive and lively. Aromas of malted barley, crisp green apple and heather honey leap from the glass and are quickly followed by further aromas of milk chocolate, golden syrup and a hint of hedgerow berries. A whiff of white pepper and something reminiscent of dried sage or thyme appears at the end.
On the palate this whisky is sweet and fruity to begin with, but with a peppery kick. A distinct white pepper note heats things up and this is softened when a drop of water is added. Elsewhere, a lovely fruity combination of green apple and crisp pear combine some confected red berries (think of strawberry jam and raspberry compote, with a hint of dried cranberry).
Further sweetness comes in the form of the golden syrup and heather honey from the nose, with the latter adding a slight floral hint. Milk chocolate and a pinch of cocoa are also evident. The second half of the palate is dominated by oaky and spicy notes - imagine a marriage of cinnamon, clove and mace adding heat and some drying woodiness adding structure. A very late hint of bitter orange oil also appears.
The finish is of decent length and maintains the sweet and fruity elements well. However, once these fade it is the warm spiciness and drying oaky characteristics that dominate. This give the finish some peppery heat and a distinct woody feel.
What's The Verdict?
This is another very nice whisky from Lochlea. They continue to show great promise and skill with their whiskies and the ex-Port cask influence here has taken their spirit in a different direction. It will be interesting to see what the distillery does with the brand and range of whiskies once this 'farming year' series ends in a couple of releases time, especially now that the esteemed John Campbell is leaving for pastures new. Time will tell, but the future looks bright.
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A lowland distillery refers to a whisky distillery located in the Lowlands region of Scotland. The Lowlands, also known as the Scottish Lowlands, is one of the five main whisky-producing regions in Scotland, alongside Speyside, Highlands, Islay, and Campbeltown. This area is characterized by its generally gentler and more rolling landscapes compared to the rugged Highlands.
Characteristics of Lowland Whiskies:
● Light and Smooth: Lowland whiskies are often described as lighter and smoother than those from other regions. They tend to be more delicate and less peaty.
● Triple Distillation: Some Lowland distilleries, though not all, use triple distillation, which results in a purer, cleaner spirit. This is more common in Irish whiskey but is also practiced by a few Lowland distilleries.
● Flavor Profile: These whiskies typically have a floral, grassy, or citrusy character, with a light body and a subtle sweetness. They are often appreciated for their approachability and can be excellent as aperitifs.
Notable Lowland Distilleries:
● Auchentoshan: Located near Glasgow, Auchentoshan is known for its triple-distilled whiskies, which contribute to its smooth and elegant profile.
● Bladnoch: Situated in the far south of Scotland, Bladnoch is one of the southernmost distilleries in the country. It has a long history and produces a range of single malts.
● Glenkinchie: Near Edinburgh, Glenkinchie is another well-known Lowland distillery. It is part of the Diageo portfolio and is often used in blends, but it also produces a range of single malts.
● Daftmill: A relatively new and small-scale distillery, Daftmill is known for its limited releases and unique, farm-based approach to whisky production.
Historical Context:
The Lowlands were once home to many more distilleries, but the region saw a decline in the 19th and 20th centuries due to various factors, including economic changes and the rise of blended whisky. However, there has been a resurgence of interest in Lowland whiskies in recent years, with several new distilleries opening and others being revived.
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