Tasting notes·Lochlea

Lochlea 5 Years (2018/2023)

5 years and 5 casks. The first single malt whisky with an age statement from the still young Lochlea whisky distillery in the Scottish Lowlands was sold out faster than you could believe. The combination of first fill bourbon, first fill oloroso sherry, double matured Pedro Ximénez sherry and double matured oloroso sherry promises a versatile spirit.

The panel

Marcel
84
Sascha
82

Mean 83.0 · spread 2

Value for money 3/5

Distillery
Lochlea
Type
Single Malt
Region
Lowlands
Country
Scotland
Age
5 years
Strength
50% ABV
Character
rich

Tasting

Nose

And it is precisely this promised versatility that we perceive on the nose. First of all, an aroma that inevitably reminds us of roasted almonds and brown sugar. Then we smell rich and full-bodied Hawaiian pizza with a hint of colourful pepper. Exciting!

Palate

Very pleasantly oily and with some subtle oak, we are embraced by an orangy-lemony acidity - not too much and very tasty. The barrel combination also delivers, of course. Dates, overripe pears, cranberries and a good slice of sugar cake with a little caramel sauce.

Finish

In the medium to long finish, we are again presented with colourful pepper, slightly leathery notes and red fruits.

Verdicts

Marcel

A true delight that instantly lifts the mood with its lively cask combination and playful character. The Lochlea 5 Years shows just how much joy a young single malt can bring – full of sweet and spicy surprises that make you eager for the next sip.

Sascha

The harmonious balance between robust alcohol and complex cask maturation convinces across the board. Lochlea 5 Years delivers a structured, well-integrated composition where the various sherry cask notes are precise yet never overpowering – a technically clean Lowland whisky.

What it is worth

No auction record for this distillery, so we cannot tell you what this bottle is worth. We would rather say that than guess.

Source

Tasting note and scores by WHISKY:EDITION — tasted by Marcel and Sascha, published 2024-02-26.