Whisky: Lochlea 5 Year (2018) Casks 249, 20, 25, 272, 295

Country/Region: Scotland/Lowland

ABV: 50%

Cask: Bourbon, Oloroso and PX Sherry

Age: 5 Years (Distilled 2018, Bottled 2023

Nose: Big sherry-driven stone fruits, cherries, toffee, refined sugar, popsicles, wood, subtle cream, milled lumber and charred wood.

Palate: Medium-bodied, balanced, citrus and summer fruits, wood and fruit cobbler, brown sugar, honey, peppery and herbal toward the end.

Finish: Medium to long with subtle cream, stone fruits, and herbal tea.

Score: 6 (78)

Mental Image: Rocket-pop Sangria on the Patio

Narrative & Notes: Full volume and loud, the aroma cranked up sherried fruits to a ten with sticky plums, cherries, and stone fruits alongside toffee and a touch of cream.  Wood and refined sugar came together as melted rocket pops— a frozen fruity treat for hot summer days. Aromatic shrubs and fresh lumber lingered in the background with orange slices and hints of charred wood. Medium-bodied and balanced with a smooth glassy mouthfeel carrying sliced oranges and summer sangria.  Freshly stained wood and stone fruit crumbles with toasted oatmeal and brown sugar arrived as a touch of pepper, honey, and herbal tea continued onto the finish.  The finish was medium to long with a touch of cream, stone fruits, and herbal tea.

After the sherried intensity of the aroma, I expected my palate was about to be obliterated by the might of the sherry gods.  Yet, this was remarkably balanced with a delightful smoothness— there was little spirited prickle or off-kilter character, it was almost glassy in the manner of a triple distilled malt.  No doubt the decision to bottle this at 50% instead of cask strength played a role, and that seems to have been the right call as this was an enjoyable sipper with some strong summer character.

Overall, straightforward but enjoyable.  This was a big improvement over my previous experience with Lochlea.  The New Wave Lowland distillery only began distillation in 2018, so some of the casks here were among the first filled at the distillery.  Much like Daftmill, Lochlea is a farm to bottle distillery, producing its own barley.

Image Credit: Lochlea Distillery; check out their excellent write up on the release through the link.