Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 1
A young distillery has many "firsts". The first bottling ever, the first bottling of the Core Range and at some point also the first bottling at cask strength. This is what we have for tasting and review today.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The single malt opens immediately with ripe light and dark fruits - there is no need to "let it breathe". Pear, apple, blood orange, rum, cinnamon, tobacco leaves, milk chocolate, vanilla and coffee beans open a true composition of flavours. Red grapes are also perceptible, which flatter with a light wine note.
Palate
Full steam ahead - the usual Lochlea signature is clearly in the foreground. Bright fruits and light nutty notes. Mouth-watering and slightly dry, the whisky shines with caramel, vanilla and forest honey. Surprisingly not spicy at all and really smooth, we taste a big load of buttery cinnamon buns. The palate is rounded off by toasted croutons.
Finish
Medium-long, the cask-strength whisky tingles on the palate with hints of fresh oak and chocolate.
Thoughts
Marcel 85/100
A lively cask strength whisky that delights with its fruity variety and sweet notes of buttery cinnamon rolls. No harshness, no off-flavors – just pure drinking pleasure. Lochlea demonstrates here how a clever cask blend can bring a young malt vividly to life.
Sascha 83/100
The balanced combination of 70% bourbon and 30% oloroso casks creates a harmonious, complex flavor profile at 60.1% ABV. Despite its youth, the whisky feels structured and well-balanced, with oak and chocolate notes elegantly rounding off the medium-length finish.
Value for Money: Good
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79/100Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Cask Strength' mean for Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 1?
'Cask Strength' means the whisky has not been diluted to drinking strength and is bottled at its natural cask strength of 60.1% alcohol by volume. This results in a more intense aroma and flavor experience.
How does the young age affect the taste of Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 1?
Although the whisky is young, it reveals a surprisingly complex range of aromas with ripe fruits, spices, and sweet notes. The youthful age brings freshness and vibrancy without sacrificing depth.
What makes Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 1 from the Lowlands region unique?
The Lowlands are known for lighter, often floral whiskies. Lochlea combines this with a robust cask strength and an unusually diverse flavor combination of fruits, spices, and chocolate, which is quite rare in such intensity for this region.