Lochlea 5 Year Old 2018/2023

Rich, Dried Fruits
2024-02-26

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.

Lochlea 5 Year Old 2018/2023 (Preview Image Source: The Whisky Exchange)

Smell

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!

Taste

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.

Thoughts

The Lochlea 5 year old is exceptionally pleasing. Wonderfully integrated alcohol (50% ABV) harmonises with an excellent selection of good (sherry) casks, whose influence really comes into its own - and yet the distillery character is not neglected. All in all, the bottling is very enjoyable and leaves you wanting more!

Rating: 83/100 - Excellent (Marcel: 84 | Sascha: 82)

Value for Money: 3/5 - Acceptable

Preview Image Source: The Whisky Exchange