Lochlea – First Release Single Malt (70cl, 46%)

This is the first bottling from Lochlea Distillery in Ayrshire, a Lowland single malt Scotch whisky at 46% in a 70cl bottle. The distillery sits on a working farm that grows its own barley, and distilling began in August 2018. The whisky was matured in first-fill bourbon barrels and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. It is bottled without chill filtration and with no added colour. The nose is orchard fruit, with apple, pear and orange peel over brown sugar, toffee, vanilla fudge and gentle cereal. The palate offers burnt caramel, hazelnuts, stewed fruit, toasted oats, cinnamon and clove. The finish is medium, with fruit, cereal sweetness and warming spice.