Award-winning Ayrshire distillery, Lochlea, has launched its second cask strength whisky. A bolder version of the farm-to-cask distillery's single malt whisky it's crafted from a cask make-up comprising 11 Pedro Xímenez (PX) (responsible for 60% of the recipe) casks, 5 Oloroso (28%) sherry butts, and five double matured liquid from American Oak STR casks, mixed with a splash of European Oak (12%).
The PX Sherry liquid dates from the end of 2018/early 2019, while the Oloroso sherry is from October 2018. These complimentary cask profiles lend the fruity whisky a peppery finish, and add sweet heft to the liquid.
These complimentary cask profiles lend the fruity whisky a peppery European Oak finish...
Unveiling the expression, the team from Lochlea, including Production Director John Campbell, invited guests to explore a variety of Lochlea bottlings, from its popular Our Barley staple through to its peaty Ploughing Edition Second Crop. The event concluded with an inaugural tasting of Cask-Strength Batch 2.
Bottled at 60% ABV, and limited to 12,000 bottles, Cask-Strength Batch 2, is one of the oldest Lochlea whiskies yet.
Campbell explains that his intention was to create a liquid rather different from previous releases, at least in composition, yet retaining a distinctive Lochlea profile
Detailing the evolution of his recipe, he explained how he experimented with gentle increments until the balance and flavour was right. "The component you have to watch the most in this recipe is the STRs (Shaved Toasted Re-Charred casks), they're small but powerful. I went on a journey," he said.
Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 2 Tasting Notes
Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 2 is a complex, rewarding dram. It has more defined legs than its stablemates, hinting at its greater viscosity, and is coloured a rich amber.
On the nose, the expression offers orchard fruits, with a preponderance of pear, marmalade and floral notes. On the palate, the familiar Lochlea fruit basket gives way to figs and treacle, against a backdrop of caramelised sugar. There's also a delightful umami note in there too.
A couple of drops of water unleashes further sherry cream; the whisky has a delightful oily mouthfeel. The finish is long, flavour forward with pepper spice.
Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 2 sells for £65, and is available from The Whisky Exchange and other specialist outlets.
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