Reviews of scotch and world whiskies by a history professor, his wife, bird, and three cats.

Loch Lomond 10 Year (2009), SMWS 135.17 “Taking the high road”

Loch Lomond 10 Year (2009), SMWS 135.17 “Taking the high road”

Whisky: Loch Lomond 10 Year (2009), SMWS 135.17 “Taking the high road”

Country/Region: Scotland/Highland

ABV: 60%

Cask: First Fill Bourbon Barrel

Age: 10 Years (Distilled 19 Aug. 2009)


Nose: Citrus and herbs, pomelo, lemon, grapefruit, hints of oregano and tarragon, vanilla and cream with more time, very clean.

Palate: Medium-bodied, citrus fruits, herbs, vanilla, cream, almond, subtle florals, a kiss of salt, orange.

Finish: Medium-length with blended fruits and hints of florals.


Score: 6

Mental Image: Italian-Hawaiian Shave Ice Fusion Joint

Narrative & Notes: The aroma was very clean, with citrus and herbs drifting somewhere between an Italian iced fruit dessert, a citrusy granita, or a muddled cocktail. I imagined pomelo, lemon, and plenty of tart-sweet grapefruit blended with simple syrup and ice served with a candied orange peel as garnish. Subtle layers of oregano and tarragon developed with berries, hints of licorice, vanilla, and cream. The palate was medium-bodied with a gentle syrupy quality and plenty of those citrus and herbal notions from the nose. Pomelo, grapefruit, and orange-flavored iced treats teased with hints of rose, plumeria, and passionfruit. A ribbon of sweetened condensed milk covered this summery concoction with crumbled almond cookies, while a kiss of salt and orange marmalade waved goodbye at the end. The finish was medium-length, with hints of musty florals and blended fruits.

Fruity and pleasant, though perhaps a tad acidic at times, this malt from Loch Lomond lacked a ton of depth but presented a beautifully crisp and clean profile. I thought the various notions of fruits and Italian iced desserts came through wonderfully; I do not recall another whisky having quite such a strong grapefruit vibe. The florals on the palate were a bit surprising; I was glad when I eventually looked up the official SMWS notes and saw they also included some floral notes on the whisky. This was one of those times I was unsure if my palate had gone rogue.

Image Credit: Whisky Auctioneer

Loch Lomond Inchmurrin 11 Year (2007), SMWS 112.47 “Have some Madeira my dear”

Loch Lomond Inchmurrin 11 Year (2007), SMWS 112.47 “Have some Madeira my dear”

Arran 22 Year (1996), Morrison & MacKay Càrn Mòr Cask 383

Arran 22 Year (1996), Morrison & MacKay Càrn Mòr Cask 383