Loch Lomond has launched a new collection that gives a bit of a
twist to its main collection. The distillery has introduced The Original Series, a range of three single malts that are not age statements but flavour based. It has two new expressions and a revised edition of an older release.
The range is currently rolling out in the UK and can also be found in the online shop of the distillery.
What does Loch Lomond The Original Series contain?
The new whiskyrange is made up of three expressions:
- The Original: Triple Oak
- Oloroso: Sherry Cask
- Peated: Rioja Cask
They are all bottled at 40% ABV, and all in the non-age-statement category, allowing the distillery greater freedom in flavour development. Triple Oak is already known to some drinkers, but the other two releases introduce new cask finishes that introduce a new dimension to the range.
A further examination of the three whiskies
The Triple Oak expression has been repackaged but is pretty much the same when it comes to the way it is made. It is aged in three varieties of American oak casks, first fill, refill and re-charred barrels which contributes to develop a balance between sweetness and light oak impact.
The Oloroso: Sherry Cask release is made with Straight Neck Stills of Loch Lomond, and then spends six months maturing in Oloroso sherry casks. The Peated: Rioja Cask takes a
somewhat different route, blending Swan Neck and Straight Neck Stills and then spending some finishing time in Spanish Rioja wine casks.
Part of a wider strategy
Master blender Michael Henry explained that the range is part of the distillery's wider strategy to develop flavours. He said that it is not about being too close to tradition, but to experiment with other styles in a more fluid manner.
'We are not bound by custom, but in no way disrespectful of it at Loch Lomond.'
- Michael HenryHe also said that the new series is a response to the increased attention of the distillery to non-age-statement releases and its capacity to influence flavour by using various production techniques.
What is the taste of the whiskies?
Below you will find the tasting notes of all three whiskies from Loch Lomond Distillery:
Loch Lomond The Original: Triple Oak
- Nose: Sweet honey and soft orchard fruits.
- Palate: Pear and peach with a mild sweetness.
- Finish: Light smoke with smooth soft fade.
Oloroso: Sherry Cask
- Nose: Rich toffee, with traces of dry fruit.
- Palate: Sweetness of peach, orange, and brown sugar.
- Finish: Warm and a little spiced with lingering sweetness.
Peated: Rioja Cask
- Nose: Sweet and light smoky fruit.
- Palate: Dark chocolate, citrus, and light peat.
- Finish: Smoke and sweetness that lingers a bit.
Where to buy The Original Series
Triple Oak expression costs about 28 pounds and the two new releases cost a little higher at about 31. They are all available in large retailers in the UK including supermarkets and on the distillery web site. This broader distribution implies the range is targeted at ordinary drinkers seeking to sample various flavour profiles as opposed to exclusive collectors issues.
FAQ
- What is Loch Lomond known for?
Loch Lomond is associated with its adaptable production techniques and application of both Swan Neck and Straight Neck stills to produce various styles of whisky. - What is non-age-statement whisky?
It is whisky with no age stated on it so that distillers can concentrate more on flavour than on a particular age of maturation. - What is the difference between Loch Lomond and other distilleries?
It is a combination of several still types and includes on-site cooperage, which provides it with greater control over production and cask management.