Lochlea Distillery launches first ever permanent Single Estate whisky range

Lochlea Distillery has launched its first ever core series of whiskies, bringing a permanent collection to sit alongside its much-lauded Our Barley expression. Released to showcase the farm-to-cask producer’s Ayrshire provenance, the announcement marks something of a milestone for the young distillery, founded in 2017, which has until now focused on seasonal limited editions. 

Master blender Jill Boyd says the new Single Estate Range offers classic much-loved whisky styles with a distinctive Lochlea twist, on a permanent basis.

“We aim to root each whisky in the character and creativity of our earlier seasonal expressions, but designed to offer something a little more,” she says.

The line-up, comprising Orchard & Oak, Dark Briar, and Smoke Without Fire, will sit alongside the established Our Barley single malt.

Master blender Jill Boyd says the Single Estate Range offers classic much-loved whisky styles with a distinctive Lochlea twist…

Lochlea Single Estate range tasting notes

Distilled exclusively from barley grown on Lochlea Farm and matured entirely on-site, each expression is bottled at 46% ABV, and is non-chill filtered. The flavour profile  is fruit-driven, underpinned by cereal notes.

Orchard & Oak

The lightest in the line-up, Orchard & Oak is matured in first-fill Bourbon, Virgin American Oak, and Calvados casks. It’s said to offer grassy freshness and green apples on the nose, followed by apple cake, buttery caramel, and oak spice on the palate. The finish is gently sweet, with cereal and a lift of citrus.

Dark Briar

A richer, bolder counterpart, Dark Briar is shaped by Pedro Ximénez, Oloroso, and Port casks. Official tasting notes suggest red berries, vanilla caramel, and baking spices on the nose. Flavours of cherries, stewed plums, and ginger cake develop on the palate, finishing with spice and lingering fruit.

Smoke Without Fire

The most intriguing of the trio, Smoke Without Fire, brings a touch of peat. Matured in ex-peated Bourbon barrels and red wine casks, it promises aromas of red berries, cherry blossom, and soft bonfire smoke. Citrus, salted smoke, and floral sweetness unfold on the palate, with toasted oak and sherbet notes in the finish.

Available now from The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt, the Lochlea Single Estate Range is priced at £50 per bottle.