Lochlea – First Release (70cl, 46%)

The first whisky from Lochlea, an independent farm distillery in Ayrshire on land where Robert Burns lived and worked from 1777 to 1784. It comes in a 70cl bottle at 46% ABV, non-chill filtered and at natural colour. The barley is grown on the distillery's own farm. The whisky was matured in a combination of first-fill bourbon barrels and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. The nose is sweet orchard fruit and toffee apple, with a gentle meadow freshness and vanilla. The palate brings honey, dried fruits and warming ginger, with creaminess from the bourbon casks. The finish is medium-long, with honeyed sweetness, oak spice and a hint of dried fruit.