Loch Lomond 18 Year Old
Floral, Nutty, Hay Like2024-03-24
Smell
On the nose, this single malt presents an intriguing combination of roasted aromas and exotic fruitiness. We detect caramel and toasted pine nuts, accompanied by hints of grapefruit and a grainy banana bread. The fruity sweetness is enveloped in a light but cool smoke, reminiscent of egg carton (which may sound negative, but is not meant as such).
Taste
On the palate, Loch Lomond 18 begins with a fruity sweetness. The mouthfeel is soft and oily, spreading astringently and presenting a full-bodied berry note with hints of plums and oranges. Additionally, there are exotic citrus-like flavors. After a short while, the aroma shifts to herbal mint notes and surprisingly clear phenolic almost rubber-like smoke.
Finish
The finish is medium-length and warming, leaving an enduring impression of spicy oak and a hint of white pepper, without being sharp. Tobacco and tea leaves round off the experience.
Thoughts
Loch Lomond 18 is a pleasant surprise. The single malt offers the complexity and layers one would expect from an 18-year-old whisky. This makes it interesting, but in the end perhaps not necessarily something extraordinary. Delicate, rounded, and flavorful - always a pleasure and a dram we would never refuse. The only real drawback in the details is unfortunately the use of E150, which is truly unnecessary and absolutely regrettable.