Loch Lomond 14 Year

Loch Lomond Distillery was founded in 1964 by Duncan Barton, who had formally owned Littlemill Distillery. The distillery stopped production in 1984 but resumed whisky production again in 1993. By the mid-90s, it was the only distillery producing both grain and single malt whiskies, along with containing stills from the original production that have the capacity to produce spirit at 90% ABV, which is much higher than standard copper pot stills. Though other ownship changes have happend in 2014 and 2019, the distillery has remained active in producing a wide portfolio of offerings, under both the Loch Lomond and Inchmurrin brands, many of these bearing age statements. Loch Lomond is the current whisky of a number of sports teams such as the PRO14 Rugby and the Wigan Warriors, along with being the official spirit of The British Open. The Loch Lomond 14 Year was matured in American ex-bourbon barrels before being finished in virgin French Limousin oak casks.

Distillery: Loch Lomond
Region: Highland
Age: 14 years
Strength: 46%
Price: $79.99
Maturation: Virgin French Limousin oak casks
Location: Alexandria
Nose: Apple blossom, citrus, oak, lemon grass, minneola tangelo, pear, white honey
Palate: Oak, honey, smoke
Finish: Almond, marzipan, floral

Comments: No water needed. Doesn’t seem to be part of the main portfolio anymore but still to be found on store shelves and may return again.

Adam – I could luxuriate in the nose of the Loch Lomond 14 for hours. Welcome aromas of flowers and honey and tree fruit evoke the high sun of summer plenty, with no hint of the spring behind or the autumn ahead. The fruits and florals provide a natural sweetness that is not cloying or manufactured. It’s outside and inviting. Welcome to Scotland. Oak comes to the fore in the nose but only as an opening act. It graciously gives way to light honey, which then cascades to a nuttiness that is reminiscent of baked goods. It’s an experience that happens quickly, yet each rung on the flavor ladder is clear. On bigger sips, the floral remains as the last wisp of a finish, coating the tongue and beckoning you back for more. Worth the price, without question.

Henry – Delightfully fragrant nose of apple blossom, Minneola tangelo, candy sugar, and vanilla. Oak hits hard on the palate, but it’s a good kind of hit. Sweet spice and big tannic backbone, with a wisp of smoke which leads into a sweet and drying finish with the floral elements never quite leaving the scene. 

Ben – There’s a lemon-citrus note on the nose, which reminds me a little of furniture polish. The Loch Lomond is good. The nuttiness, the honey, it’s great. 

Bill – There’s a sour note to the end of the nose, maybe from the oak. Almost a wildflower honey on the palate. More please. It’s delicious, on a summer evening with a lot of humidity, this is absolutely delightful. I love it.  

Kim – The Loch Lomond 14 is a lovely light floral whiskey, perfect for a summer day. Sweet and floral on the palette with a kiss of smoke on the end.