Lochlea First Release

Scotch Whisky Review : Lochlea First Release

Distillery: Lochlea.

Region: Lowland.

Age: NAS.

Cask Type: First fill Bourbon and PX casks.

ABV: 46.0%.

Price: Purchased for $45.

Color: 0.6, Old Gold.

Nose: This is bright, fruity, and just a bit grassy. It reminds me a lot of a like a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with notes of banana chips joining the white grape notes. There is also something very fresh and slightly creamy, something akin to a crème fraîche or Greek yogurt. There’s a bit of prickle as well.

Palate: Rather on the simple side of things, a little bit expected given how young this whisky has to be. It is fruity with a bit of malt. The banana chip note from the note from the nose about the only real stand out. There is a bit of prickle but it isn’t unpleasant.

Finish: Medium to long in length. It starts with malt biscuits before going on to a wonderful dessert note of sweet cream and candied bananas.

Conclusion: About a year ago, I was sitting in a cocktail bar with some friends when I noticed a bottle of this stuff behind their bar. I was intrigued and a bit surprised to see a cocktail bar having some whisky from a pretty new Scottish distillery in Nebraska. Naturally, I ordered a pour and I remember finding it fairly enjoyable and later grabbed a bottle to have and review. The nose and finish on this are really fun and quite good. I might even go as far as to say they are on the verge of excellence. The combination of white wine, banana, and crème fraîche on the nose is so fun and inviting. The finish with the sweet cream and candied banana notes is frankly delicious. The palate though does let this down and it shows the whisky’s youth. Still, I’m left excited how Lochlea’s distillate will develop with more time in the cask and I’m excited to try more.

Rating: 77.

Scotch Whisky Review , Lowland Review , Whisky Network Review

Scoring Legend:

  • 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
  • 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
  • 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
  • 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
  • 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
  • 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
  • 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
  • 50-59: Save it for mixing.
  • 0-49: Blech.

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