Loch Lomond Single Grain Whisky

It feels like it is Loch Lomond’s year on the blog. It is the fourth release I have tried from this versatile Highland distillery this year. A couple of years ago, I tasted the Loch Lomond Single Grain Scotch whisky. My tasting notes included freshly baked cookies, flowers and grass mixed spicy hints of fruit and citrus zest. I rated it as very good and commented that it seemed a bit young with some rough edges.

During my Inchmurrin chat with Muzi, the Loch Lomond Brand Ambassador, he mentioned that they are bringing out a new Single Grain release. John saw it in the shops and loved the packaging, so he bought it. I added it to my whisky collection and scheduled it for tasting sometime next year.

However, an interesting article on Malt Musings highlighted the fact that the Loch Lomond Single Grain whisky is made from malted barley and not the standard grains like wheat, rye or maize.  The article also mentioned the Tweeddale Grain of Truth Peated Grain whisky.

The article explains why it is classified as a single grain and not as a single malt. It all has to do with the unusual still set up of Loch Lomond and the continuous still distillation process.

After reading all of this, I had to try this release, and it jumped my tasting schedule to this week. I asked Muzi regarding the differences in the two releases and he confirmed that both have the same mash bill and continuous still process.

The Loch Lomond Single Grain whisky is matured exclusively in American oak. It is a NAS release.

Also Read: Glenbrynth Bourbon Cask Whisky

Loch Lomond Single Grain Whisky Review

REGION: Highlands

ABV: 46%

COLOUR: Pale gold

NOSE: Sweet and fruity. Notes of fresh ripe fruit and malt. Freshly cut mango and pear drizzled with honey, sugar biscuits, hints of vanilla and bits of lemon.

PALATE: Light and easy drinking. More spice than sweetness. Nutmeg and vanilla with condensed milk. Hints of pineapple, banana and tropical notes together with toffee, oak spice, and pepper. Malty notes. Water brings more sweetness.

FINISH: Short and soft with fruity notes.

RATING: EXCELLENT

The Loch Lomond Single Grain Scotch whisky is the perfect summer dram. Fresh and easy drinking and perfect for a braai (BBQ) and a hot summer’s afternoon. It retails for R290 and is readily available at most liquor shops. I like this release more than the previous one.

I am not sure if it is my taste buds, but it feels like the new release is more rounded and matured. Just delicious.  Muzi suggested that in this heat, the Single Grain makes for a great ginger ale high ball.

Another delicious Loch Lomond release that I have tried is the Loch Lomond Steam and Fire single malt whisky and the Noble Rebel Orchard Outburst Whisky that I was fortunate to taste during my trip to Scotland.

Also Read: The Belgian Owl Whisky