Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12 year old Whisky

During my trip to Scotland in August, I had the pleasure of visiting the Loch Lomond distillery in the Scottish Highlands. After an informative tour, we were treated to a tasting session with Gary Mills, where we sampled some outstanding drams. One of the highlights was the Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12 year old “Smoke and Spice” single malt Scotch whisky.

Loch Lomond Distillery is known for producing a wide range of whiskies, thanks to its unique set of stills. The distillery offers at least three different 12 year old single malts in its core range: the standard Loch Lomond 12 year old, the Inchmurrin 12 year old, and the Inchmoan release. Each of these expressions showcases a different character, utilizing the variety of still setups the distillery has at its disposal.

What made the tasting experience special was that we started by sampling the new-make spirits. This is the raw, unaged whisky that would eventually become the 12 year old releases. Tasting the new-make spirit gave us a unique insight into the whisky’s original character before it entered the barrels for ageing.

Also Read: Loch Lomond Steam and Fire Whisky

The Inchmoan whisky is named after an island in Loch Lomond. This island lies just south of Luss, near Inchcruin. The water between Inchmoan and Inchcruin is shallow enough to wade across. Inchmoan, which translates to “island of the peat,” was historically a source of peat for the nearby village of Luss.

The island features sandy beaches, marshy areas, and an old two-story ruin, though no records indicate who may have lived there.

Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12 year old is distilled using a combination of peated whisky from the distillery’s straight-neck stills and more traditional swan-neck stills.

Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12 year old Whisky Review

The whisky is aged in a mix of bourbon, refill, and recharred casks, with the peat level measured at 50 ppm (parts per million). This expression is non-chill filtered, though it does have added colouring.

ABV: 46%

REGION: Highlands

COLOUR: Golden red

NOSE: Peat and smoke take the lead, balanced with earthy moss and green herbs. Notes of vanilla and toffee mix with a fruity sweetness, accompanied by plums, mint, and a hint of salt in the background.

PALATE: The peat here is softer and reminiscent of Islay but is less medicinal. The smoke is complemented by drying oak, black pepper, and caramel, with a distinct earthy, wet moss note. Adding water brings out the fruity sweetness and softens the spices, revealing cinnamon, vanilla, green hay, and a slight saltiness. It’s smooth and complex, with a medium body and creamy mouthfeel. A few drops of water help to balance out the spicier elements.

FINISH: The finish is long and lingering, leaving behind notes of sweet fruit, green grass, black pepper, and a touch of citrus.

RATING: VERY GOOD

This whisky ranks as my No. 3 among the 12 year old drams I tried at Loch Lomond. It’s a great example of how versatile Loch Lomond’s setup is. It especially shows off the versatility in the combination of stills and peat levels.

For those who enjoy a more nuanced smoky dram, this Loch Lomond expression offers a delightful balance of smoke, spice, and sweetness. A great dram to explore the different types of peat that Scotland has to offer.
Retailing for around GBP 34 on Amazon, it provides good value for a well-crafted 12 year old whisky.