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