Lochlea Sowing Edition (Second Crop)
The second year of seasonal releases from Lochlea has begun. We were kindly provided with the Sowing Edition by the distillery for review. The single malt is matured for 3-4 years in a first fill bourbon cask.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The malt opens with sugar syrup, red apples and vanilla - fresh and fruity with a slight hint of citrus. This is accompanied by wine gum and a slight hint of white wine (grapes). Fitting for the transitional phase from spring to summer.
Palate
The whisky from the Lowlands opens quite young. Almond pastry (nutty notes, cereal notes and sweet) is refined with an idea of toffee. At the same time, its youth flashes through again and again - and not too scarcely. A little oak and coniferous forest can be glimpsed in the background.
Finish
Sweetish in the finish, the first release of the second season lingers for a medium length and burns slightly.
Thoughts
Marcel 74/100
A whisky that immediately delights with its fruity nose and playful character – perfect for celebrating the fresh season. On the palate, it reveals its youthful side, which also lends it a charming carefree quality. For fans of light, lively Lowland malts, this is a fun dram that leaves you wanting more.
Sascha 63/100
The Sowing Edition displays a clear structure with distinct notes of almond pastry and toffee, but the youthfulness of the whisky comes through too strongly on the palate, making it feel somewhat unbalanced. The combination of first fill bourbon cask maturation and fresh fruit notes works well on the nose, yet the palate lacks depth and harmony. A solid Lowland malt that still has room to develop.
Value for Money: Expensive
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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80/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does maturation in a first fill bourbon cask influence the flavor of the Lochlea Sowing Edition?
Maturation in a first fill bourbon cask imparts the Lochlea Sowing Edition with sweet vanilla and toffee notes, along with fruity accents of red apples and citrus. The cask also contributes a gentle oak spiciness that balances the whisky’s youthful character.
Why is the Lochlea Sowing Edition ready to drink despite its relatively short maturation of 3-4 years?
Thanks to careful cask selection and distillation, the whisky shows remarkable balance that doesn’t overly emphasize its youth. The combination of fruity aromas, sweet notes, and moderate oak spice makes it accessible and interesting even at this age.
What makes the Lochlea Sowing Edition stand out compared to other Lowland whiskies?
The Lochlea Sowing Edition impresses with its fresh and fruity aroma profile, characterized by sugar syrup, red apples, and a hint of citrus. Additionally, the whisky offers a rare combination of almond pastry, toffee, and a lightly resinous pine forest note, setting it apart from other Lowland single malts.