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Scotch Whisky Review: Lochlea Ploughing Edition (Third Crop)

Lochlea has been the quiet underdog of the new whisky scene. Along with brands like Torabhaig and Ardnamurchan, they've just sat back and made wonderful whisky with every release I've tried.

OVERALL RATING

8
$62
  • Phil Dwyer is a freelance whisky writer and consultant with over a decade of experience in whisky retail and online whisky education. Best known for hosting Whisky Wednesday on YouTube, he is dedicated to making whisky accessible and enjoyable by cutting through jargon and complexity.
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Tasting Notes

About:

This is the fourth and final release in the limited edition Lochlea range, marking the end of their Seasonal Trilogy. This spirit has been matured in ex-Islay whisky casks and is one year older than the previous release. Between that powerful peated cask and the additional year of ageing, it has a little more assertiveness than the previous release.
Appearance:
Grappa
Nose:
Fresh green apples, a little touch of sea breeze and sea salt, some sour/tart fruit notes that remind me of Starburst. Also some subtle, sweet notes of cereal grains and caster sugar.
Palate:
The ex-Islay cask is really showing its presence here. The peat is subtle but kicks up around the edges of your tongue with very familiar peatiness. Some of the classically sweet Lochlea spirit winds around this. That fresh green apple and sour fruit note runs through the middle of this. It adds a refreshing element to the taste.
Finish:
Decently long notes of peat on the finish, with some sea salt to accompany it. There is a very subtle note of biscuits and caramel, but it sits underneath this layer of gentle warmth and smoke.
Comments:
Lochlea has been the quiet underdog of the new whisky scene. Along with brands like Torabhaig and Ardnamurchan, they’ve just sat back and made wonderful whisky with every release I’ve tried.

This is not different to that theme. It has a core of Lochlea sweetness. That tangy green apple not really reminds me of old bottles of Glenlivet 12 year old, along with older Japanese whiskies like Hakushu 18 year old. The ageing in ex-Islay casks adds a bigger dimension to this product. Bottling at 46% was a great call, any stronger and it could’ve wiped out all of the little notes that run through this range.

Very excited to see Lochlea’s future, given they’re doing so well in the present under many vicious financial circumstances, but as are the rest of us.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Phil Dwyer

Phil Dwyer is a freelance whisky writer and consultant. With a decade of experience in whisky retail and nearly as long running Whisky Wednesday on YouTube, Phil is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow whisky lovers. His goal is to make whisky accessible and enjoyable, dispelling the jargon and complexity that can sometimes surround the spirit. In addition to his online presence, Phil managed The Whisky Shop Manchester, where he curated an impressive selection of some of the finest drams available.

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