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.
Tasting Notes
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.
Thoughts
Marcel 84/100
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 82/100
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.
Value for Money: Fair
Discover our value for money winnersRelated Reviews
Finglassie 8 Years 2017/2025 - James Eadie
In the rolling hills of the Scottish Lowlands, where mist settles over the fields like a silky veil, something extraordinary is created at the InchDairnie Distillery. James Eadie's Finglassie 8 Years 2017/2025 can easily compete with the much more expensive Lagavulin Single Casks.
85/100
Kingsbarns Balcomie
Scotland and golf – a classic combination. The Kingsbarns Balcomie is named after a golf course in Fife and comes from the Lowland distillery of the same name. The Wemyss family, already known as an independent bottler, has been operating Kingsbarns since 2014. For this whisky, Isabella Wemyss relies on maturation in Oloroso sherry casks made of American white oak. The result? A smooth, sweet dram that carries the signature of this young distillery.
79/100
Lindores Abbey MCDXCIV
The Lindores MCDXCIV (1494) is a single malt with no age statement, bottled at a strong 46% vol. and comes from the up-and-coming Lindores Abbey Distillery. The distillery, known for its love of experimentation, uses an interesting combination of cask types for this whisky: Bourbon, sherry and wine barrique casks provide an exciting spectrum of flavours that arouses curiosity.
73/100Frequently Asked Questions
How do the different cask types influence the flavor of the Lochlea 5 Years 2018/2023?
The Lochlea 5 Years matured in five different casks: first-fill bourbon, first-fill Oloroso sherry, double matured Pedro Ximénez sherry, and double matured Oloroso sherry. This combination creates a complex aroma profile with notes of dates, overripe pears, cranberries, and caramel sauce, complemented by spicy and slightly leathery nuances on the finish.
What makes the Lochlea 5 Years 2018/2023 special as a Lowlands single malt?
As one of the first age-statement single malts from the young Lochlea distillery in the Lowlands, this whisky stands out for its versatility and the blend of various sherry and bourbon casks. At 50% ABV, it offers an intense yet balanced tasting experience, typical for the region and its cask selection.
How should one best enjoy the Lochlea 5 Years 2018/2023 to fully experience its aromas?
The whisky reveals its aromas best at room temperature, neat or with a few drops of water to highlight the orangey-lemony acidity and the complex fruit and spice notes. A calm tasting with some time allows you to discover the layered notes of roasted almonds, brown sugar, and colorful pepper.