Independent bottler The Heart Cut has unveiled its 17th release, a rare single cask Lochlea whisky that combines Lowland elegance with subtle Islay smoke. Only 410 bottles of this unique expression exist, bottled at 54% ABV and priced at £58.
The Heart Cut Partners with Ayrshire Farm Distillery
Lochlea Distillery, located on a family-owned farm in Ayrshire, Scotland, grows 100% of its own Laureate barley. The distillery produces what it describes as a tropical, citrusy spirit that breaks from traditional Lowland whisky characteristics.
This single cask release spent time in a refill hogshead that previously held smoky Islay whisky. The cask was filled in 2019 and recently discovered by Lochlea’s new Master Blender Jill Boyd. The ex-Islay barrel imparts what the bottler calls “cask-born smoke” – a gentle, sweet smokiness without any peat used in the grain production process.
“Smoke isn’t only born in the kiln,” says Georgie Bell, co-founder of The Heart Cut. “With this cask we can show drinkers how an ex-Islay barrel creates a gentler, sweeter haze – think smoked Maldon salt sprinkled over baked apples and vanilla cream – without ever smoking the barley itself. And partnering with Lochlea to tell this story is a dream”
The Heart Cut Builds Reputation Through Selective Partnerships
The Heart Cut has gained recognition since its September 2023 launch, winning Independent Bottler of the Year at the Global Icons of Whisky Awards in both 2024 and 2025. This success has enabled partnerships with distilleries that typically limit independent bottler access.
David Ferguson, Commercial Director at Lochlea, explained the distillery’s selective approach: “Due to our limited production and three-decade inventory plan, we only work with a small select number of independent bottlers. “However, given their strong reputation in the market and real partnership approach, we are delighted to be partnering with The Heart Cut on this single cask. Jill found some gems in our warehouse, and the one Georgie and Fab chose is outstanding — full of our signature tropical fruit and cereal flavours, alongside sweet smoke from the ex-Islay cask. I can’t wait to grab a bottle when it launches!”
The official tasting notes describe the whisky as having freshly cut grass, barbecued pineapple and delicate coastal smoke on the nose. The palate features barbecued citrus, runny honey and creamy hazelnuts, with the smoke developing into birchwood and burnt embers. The finish includes sherbet candy, bitter orange peel and sea salt notes.
The Heart Cut #17 Lochlea launched July 1st exclusively through theheartcut.com. With only 410 bottles available, this limited release showcases how ex-Islay casks can transform Lowland whisky without traditional peat smoking methods.
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