Lochlea – Cask Strength Batch 3 (59.8%)

Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 3 is the third annual cask strength bottling from the Lowland distillery. It takes a smokier direction: this is the first time peat has appeared in the distillery's limited series. Master blender Jill Boyd led it from start to finish. The whisky was matured in Oloso sherry casks and peated Islay casks, and is bottled at 59.8% without chill-filtration or added colouring. The nose offers juicy cherries, ripe red berries, smoky bacon and sherried oak. The palate is warming, with ginger cake, dark sugar, charred rye bread and smoky molasses. The finish is long, with oak tannins, baking spice, rose petals and a lingering touch of salty Islay smoke.