How Does Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 2 Compare To Other Cask Strength Whiskies?
Given the youthfulness of both the whisky and the distillery, it wouldn’t be truly fair to compare Lochlea to some of the big hitters of Glenfarclas 105 or Aberlour A’bunadh. But it does hold its own unique position in the whisky world as a very available and almost standalone cask-strength whisky from the Lowlands. Daftmill springs to mind instantly as a ‘hold on a minute’ caveat, but those bottles disappear like you wouldn’t believe.
Kingsbarns does have some cask strength releases, as do their neighbors at Lindores Abbey – but with a rather attractive color to it, and the success of Batch 1, Lochlea seems to be carving out its own little path of barrel-proof power across the lowlands of Scotland.
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Plus, with this balance of flavor we’re getting from savory malted barley, rich caramels, and big sherried fruits, perhaps this could actually be compared to some of the bigger names in cask-strength single malt.
Is This A Good Introduction To Scotch Whisky?
Yes and no. Yes, because Lochlea is a newer distillery carving its own path with distinct flavors, and for someone looking to explore scotch whisky, starting with a distillery that’s at the beginning of its journey can be exciting. If you enjoy the flavors of Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 2 or other Lochlea expressions, it can certainly be a great introduction.
However, the ‘no’ comes in when considering that this is a cask-strength whisky. If you’re new to the whisky world, you’ll likely encounter cask-strength whiskies at some point, but I wouldn’t recommend starting with one. Cask-strength whiskies can be intense, with bold and nuanced flavors that can be overwhelming for beginners. It’s worth developing your palate with regular strength whiskies first so that when you do try cask strength, you can truly appreciate its complexities. It’s quite an experience—so be prepared for the ride when you’re ready!
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The Best Ways To Enjoy Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 2?
As with all whisky, whatever way you like to enjoy it, go with it. Neat, ice, water, mixed, just drink it how you like. It’s your money.
However, with cask-strength whiskies, I am a huge champion of pouring them, letting them sit for a while in the glass and just smelling them for a long time. As soon as you don’t start to get anything new, have a taste. That first taste will tell you a million different things, after this keep drinking it neat if you like it, or add some water to the last quarter of the pour and see if it changes because it will.
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