Lochlea Our Barley
In August 2018, almost exactly four years ago, the independent family-owned distillery started operations. After the first limited bottling at the beginning of 2022, and now the first standard bottling follows. We were provided with a sample by the distillery before the release and are now happy to add our two cents.The farm distillery works under the motto dare to be honest. It puts into practice what many whisky lovers want: Honesty and transparency. From the local cultivation of the barley to the bottling - the whole production process is traceable. Master blender John Campbell, previously distillery manager of Laphroaig for 25 years, seized the opportunity to create a Single Malt Whisky in a new distillery, which is to set new standards in terms of quality. By the way: The packaging is chic and classy, as is the bottle.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Is this a honey wine? We have a massively sweet, fruity sweetness. Ripe pears, syrup and cream caramel. Very mild, spiciness is almost not noticeable at all. Maybe a little in the background.
Palate
Sweet and spicy and with a good portion of grain and honey, the Lochlea Our Barley makes its way into the mouth. Burnt toast and an alcoholic spiciness follow. There's a little vanilla and some cinnamon in the background. A quite interesting breakfast.
Finish
The spiciness settles on the palate. Dry and medium in length, a young, yet well-balanced single malt says goodbye with a little sweetness reminiscent of sunflower honey.
Thoughts
Marcel 78/100
Lochlea Our Barley surprises with its sweet honey note and its fruity-mild character, which offers great drinking pleasure despite its youth. You can taste the passion and courage of John Campbell, who here makes a charming entry into the whisky world – definitely a successful first release with potential for more.
Sascha 76/100
The Lochlea Our Barley presents itself as structurally balanced, with the youthful freshness and the local origin of the raw materials standing out positively. Despite the lack of maturity, the single malt shows a solid balance between sweet and spicy components, with complexity likely to grow as it ages.
Value for Money: Fair
Discover our value for money winnersThis product was kindly provided to us by Lochlea. This does not influence our rating. No payments or other benefits were received in exchange for this provision.
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83/100Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the production process of Lochlea Our Barley particularly transparent?
Lochlea Our Barley follows the motto “dare to be honest” and documents the entire production process from the local barley cultivation to bottling. This allows whisky enthusiasts to trace every step.
How does John Campbell’s background influence the character of this whisky?
John Campbell, formerly Distillery Manager at Laphroaig for 25 years, brings his experience to the new distillery. His goal is to create a single malt with Lochlea Our Barley that sets high quality standards while developing its own style.
Which flavor notes dominate Lochlea Our Barley and how is the finish?
The whisky shows a pronounced sweet and fruity nose with notes of pears, syrup, and creamy caramel. On the palate, sweet-spicy aromas of grain, honey, burnt toast, as well as vanilla and cinnamon come together. The finish is dry, medium-length, and reminiscent of sunflower honey.