Award-winning Ayrshire distillery Lochlea, has launched its second cask strength whisky. A bolder version of the distillery’s single malt, it’s crafted from a cask make-up comprising 11 Pedro Xímenez (PX) barrels, five Oloroso sherry butts, and five STR casks, a mix of American and mixed European Oak.
The PX matured liquid dates from the end of 2018/early 2019, while the Oloroso contribution is from October 2018. These complimentary profiles lend the fruity whisky a peppery finish, and add sweet heft to the drink.
These complimentary cask profiles lend the fruity whisky a peppery European Oak finish…
Unveiling the expression, the team from Lochlea, led by 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.
Campbell explained that his intention was to create a rather different expression from previous releases, at least in composition, all while 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),” he cautioned “they’re small but powerful. I went on a journey…”
Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 2 Tasting Notes
Bottled at 60% ABV, Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 2 is a complex, rewarding dram. It has more defined legs than its stablemates, hinting at greater viscosity, and is coloured a rich amber.
On the nose, the expression offers orchard fruits, with 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 vague umami note in there too.
A couple of drops of water unleashes sherry cream; the whisky has a delightful 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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The Luxe Review 
Award-winning Ayrshire distillery Lochlea, has launched its second cask strength whisky. A bolder version of the distillery’s single malt, it’s crafted from a cask make-up comprising 11 Pedro Xímenez (PX) barrels, five Oloroso sherry butts, and five STR casks, a mix of American and mixed European Oak.
The PX matured liquid dates from the end of 2018/early 2019, while the Oloroso contribution is from October 2018. These complimentary profiles lend the fruity whisky a peppery finish, and add sweet heft to the drink.
Unveiling the expression, the team from Lochlea, led by 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.
Campbell explained that his intention was to create a rather different expression from previous releases, at least in composition, all while 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),” he cautioned “they’re small but powerful. I went on a journey…”
Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 2 Tasting Notes
Bottled at 60% ABV, Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 2 is a complex, rewarding dram. It has more defined legs than its stablemates, hinting at greater viscosity, and is coloured a rich amber.
On the nose, the expression offers orchard fruits, with 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 vague umami note in there too.
A couple of drops of water unleashes sherry cream; the whisky has a delightful 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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