Lochlea Distillery has released the third edition in its annual Cask Strength series, marking a groundbreaking first for Scottish single malt whisky. This release uniquely blends oloroso sherry maturation with Islay peat, a combination not previously seen in Scottish distilleries.
A Look Back at Previous Releases
The series began in 2023 with the first batch, aged in a mix of first-fill bourbon and oloroso sherry casks. The second release in 2024 featured whiskies matured in shaved, toasted, and recharred (STR) old wine casks alongside Pedro Ximénez and oloroso sherry casks.
Jill Boyd’s Vision Brings a New Direction
This latest batch is a significant achievement for Lochlea’s head blender, Jill Boyd, who joined the distillery in late 2024. Boyd led the entire process of selecting and blending Batch Three, from concept to final bottling.
To capture something truly distinctive, Boyd chose whiskies aged in oloroso sherry casks paired with those matured in Islay peated casks.
Tasting Notes: A Complex, Smoky Experience
The whisky offers rich aromas of ripe red fruits and barbecue smoke. On the palate, it reveals layers of cherry, black treacle, gingerbread, toasted rye, and charred wood smoke.
Boyd shared her thoughts on the release:
“I’m particularly proud of Cask Strength Batch Three. It’s the first time I’ve curated our whisky from start to finish, putting my own stamp on our range. I wanted to push the boundaries with something bold and unique.”
She added:
“Sherry and peat are beloved flavour profiles. We saw a chance to blend them for a fresh, bold taste while honoring our distillery’s heritage. It’s complex, warm, and smoky — perfect for enjoying at a sunny barbecue.”
Availability and Pricing
Lochlea Cask Strength Batch Three is unchill filtered and bottled at a robust 59.8% ABV. It will be available from May 29, with a recommended retail price of £67 ($91).
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