Thompson Brothers Lochlea 6 Year Old (70cl, 57.1%)

This Lochlea was distilled in 2020 and bottled by Thompson Bros at 6 years old, at a natural strength of 57.1%. It comes from a single first-fill bourbon barrel that gave 248 bottles. It is natural colour and non-chill filtered, and the first-fill wood adds sweetness and structure to Lochlea's bright, cereal-led style. The nose is sweet and welcoming, with toasted brioche, pear compote, ripe peaches, boiled sweets, Jelly Babies, vanilla custard and a little green ginger wine. The palate has toasted oak, caramelised sugar and caramelised banana, then a salty note of grape and melon skins. The finish is long and slightly dry, with lingering salinity and a tannic grip.