Lochlea Distillery has released Cask Strength Batch 3, marking a significant flavor evolution for the independent farm-to-cask whisky maker. The limited-edition bottling combines Oloroso sherry with Islay peat – a pairing never before explored by the distillery.

The release represents a milestone for Master Blender Jill Boyd, who joined Lochlea in late 2024 and has led the project from concept to bottle.

“I am especially proud of Cask Strength Batch 3 as it has been my first opportunity to curate one of our whiskies from concept to bottle, putting my own mark on our range,” Boyd said. “I wanted to push the boundaries of our house style with something bold and different.”

Boyd carefully selected whisky matured in Oloroso Sherry Butts and Ex-Islay peated casks to create this expression. The combination delivers what the distillery describes as a captivating nose of ripe red fruits and savory BBQ smoke.

Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 3

The latest batch continues Lochlea’s tradition of releasing annual cask strength expressions but takes a decidedly different flavor direction. Previous releases focused on fruit-forward profiles, with Batch 2 utilizing PX, Oloroso and STR casks, and the inaugural 2023 release combining first-fill Bourbon barrels with Oloroso Sherry casks.

Cask Strength Batch 3 marks the first time the distillery has incorporated peated casks into its limited-edition series.

“As many whisky lovers will know, sherry and peat are both hugely popular flavor profiles, and we saw an opportunity to bring them together in a way that feels fresh and bold, yet rooted in our distillery’s DNA,” Boyd explained.

Bottled without dilution at 59.8% ABV, Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 3 carries an RRP of £67 and will be available from Lochlea stockists beginning May 29, 2025. 

From Farm to Glass

Like all Lochlea expressions, Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 3 maintains the distillery’s farm-to-cask philosophy. The independently owned operation grows all its barley on its 222-acre farm, making it one of the few fully grain-to-cask distilleries in Scotland.

The Lowlands distillery began its journey when Neil and Jen McGeoch purchased the farm in 2006, later transforming the existing farm buildings into a fully operational distillery in 2017. Distillation began the following year.

The farm also carries historical significance as the former home and workplace of Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns.

Read the full article at Lochlea Unveils Cask Strength Batch 3, With A Very Different Flavor Direction