Lochlea – Cask Strength Batch 3 (70cl, 59.8%)

This is the third in a series of annual cask strength releases from Lochlea, bottled at 59.8% ABV in a 70cl bottle. Lochlea is an independent, family-run farm distillery in the Lowlands that grows its own barley, so the whisky can be traced from field to bottle. It was bottled straight from the cask. The nose is rich and juicy, with ripe red fruit and a touch of smoky bacon. Cherries, ripe berries, ginger cake, brown sugar, dark rye and barbecue smoke come through on the palate. The finish is long and strong, with baking spices, salty smoke and red roses, threaded with oak tannins.