By Douglas Fraser
Rating: A-
(Credit Douglas Fraser)
Nestled at the southern point of Loch Lomond is the Loch Lomond Distillery, known for producing its own line of Single Malt Whiskies as well as whiskies made for blending by other Scotch Whisky producers. The distillery prides itself on its unique distillation process, which crafts exceptional whiskies. The roots of the distillery date back to 1814, when it was said to be located on the opposite end of the loch. Although the original distillery is lost to time, the distillery reopened in its current location in 1966. Currently, many of the expressions range from no age statements to 30 years and beyond.
The Scotch
Loch Lomond 12 Year has been dubbed by the distillery to be “perfectly balanced”. It even says so on the bottle. While this expression from Loch Lomond is fantastic and incredibly well-balanced, it isn’t quite perfect. With that said, this 12-year whisky deserves high praise as a more entry-level expression with a modest price tag. Loch Lomond 12 Year is matured for 12 years in a variety of three American oak casks – first-fill bourbon, refilled (i.e. second-fill or older), and re-charred. This is, of course, being new make distilled using their mix unique straight neck stills and more traditional swan neck stills. Loch Lomond 12 Year is non-chill filtered and bottled at 46% ABV.
Color: Copper Gold
The nose begins with gentle baking spices followed by pleasant aromas of orange peel, vanilla, peaches, and subtle smoke. The pleasantries continue on the palate with notes of baking spices, Christmas-like spices, nutmeg, vanilla, oak, and some peach fruitiness. The finish is long, subtly sweet and smoky, with those similar baking spices. With a peppery kick, hints of leather and oak follow.
The Price
Loch Lomond can be found for $55.
