Lochlea – Cask Strength Batch 3 Oloroso Sherry & ex Islay Peated Cask Matured Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (2024) (70cl, 59.8%)

This is Batch 3 in the Cask Strength Collection from Lochlea, a Lowland single malt from South Ayrshire, bottled at 59.8%. It matured in a combination of Oloroso sherry casks and ex-Islay bourbon barrels. The sherry richness the cask strength releases are known for is joined by a subtle twist of smoke from the Islay wood. The nose offers juicy ripe red fruits and savoury barbecue smoke. On the palate come cherries, ripe berries and dark molasses, with ginger cake, toasted rye and charred wood smoke. The finish is long, with baking spice, salty smoke, oaky tannins and delicate floral notes.