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. 

Review - Nantou 'Bourbon Cask' & 'Sherry Cask'

The entrance at Nantou © Leo Guo/TTL

Nantou is a Taiwanese distillery that is owned by the Taiwan Tobacco & Liquor Corporation (TTL for short), who manufacture cigarettes, beer, wine, liqueurs and spirits. The company is state owned and most well known for its Taiwan Beer brand.  They own seven distilleries and two breweries but Nantou is the only one designed for single malt whisky production.  The company was founded in 1947 and maintained a monopoly on all tobacco and alcohol products until 2002.