Loch Lomond’s New Spearhead Whisky Showcases Whisky Making Techniques

Loch Lomond Group out of Scotland recently revealed a new single grain Scotch whisky called Spearhead that showcases the whisky-making techniques of the distillery.

The expression is a lighter spirit that is more accessible to new whiskey drinkers, the brand noted. It is described as bold and has a sweeter style, similar to a Bourbon, and is crafted at Loch Lomond’s distillery using a continuous Coffey style still, allowing for a lighter spirit to be created. The spirit is then aged in ex-bourbon barrels before finishing in a combination of fire and infrared-toasted virgin American oak barrels. 

The infrared barrels allow for an exact level of toast that extracts natural properties in the barrel, releasing a range of flavors from the wood, creating a complex range of sweet notes. Using a combination of traditionally fire toasted and infrared toasted barrels, the result is said to be ultra-smooth, with a depth and complexity to the flavor. Loch Lomond is currently the only distillery in Scotland to use infrared barrels to finish whisky. 

Spearhead is displayed in a striking, Bourbon style bottle that offers official tasting notes of vanilla pod, blackberries and dark chocolate, making it deliciously light or a great base for longer drinks and cocktails. It’s priced at £30 and has an ABV of 43%. 

“We have been working very hard to create an innovative new Scotch Whisky and we are pleased to finally launch Spearhead to market,” Calum Leslie, Head of Innovation at Loch Lomond Group, said in a prepared statement. “While this style of whisky is very popular in the Irish and American markets, there isn’t anything comparable in the Scotch sector. Spearhead is one of a kind, championing the single grain, and taking a non-traditional approach to whisky making that will resonate with people new to Scotch. It’s the perfect whisky for those who prefer the sweetness of a bourbon or enjoy a long-whisky based serve, with Spearhead taking a twist on some classic cocktails.” 

Official tasting notes are below.

• Nose – Violet floral notes, dark berries – blackcurrant and blackberry –  vanilla pods, caramel and dark chocolate 
• Palate – Velvety mouthfeel rolls over the tongue, red apple with lime citrus, vanilla fudge and light brown sugar 
• Finish – Long smooth and sweet with melted brown sugar