Lochlea Ex-Islay Single Cask Single Malt Whiskey 700ml

Lochlea Distillery is an independent, family-owned farm distillery in Ayrshire, in Scotland's Lowlands, run by the McGeoch family and producing single malt whiskey since 2018. All of the barley used in production is grown on the distillery's own roughly ninety hectares of farmland, and the site holds close ties to Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet, who once worked the same land. Production Director John Campbell brings decades of experience to the operation, having spent twenty-seven years as the longest-serving distillery manager at Laphroaig on Islay.

This single cask release is fully matured in a 200-liter ex-Islay whiskey barrel, a cask previously used to age one of Islay's famously smoky single malts. The peated wood imparts a subtle but distinct smokiness to Lochlea's naturally fruit-forward spirit, a departure from the estate's typical bourbon and sherry cask maturation. The whiskey is bottled at 46% ABV, non-chill filtered and without added color.

The nose combines baked apple and cinnamon spice with earthy peat and a touch of toffee. On the palate, campfire smoke meets luscious orchard fruit, with Lochlea's characteristic sweetness running underneath. The finish is pleasant and lingering, inviting another sip.