Loch Lomond, one of Scotland's few Scotch-makers that produces both malt and grain whisky, is expanding their Single Grain collection with two new additions - the Single Grain Distiller's Choice and Single Grain Cooper's Collection Mizunara Cask Finish.

For the expressions, 100% malted barley was used with a longer fermentation time, before being distilled in the distillery's all copper Continuous Coffey Still. This is designed to create a spirit with layers of deep and elegant floral fruit notes.

The Distiller's Choice is a combination of a selection of Loch Lomond grain whiskies which were aged in a combination of first fill and refill American Oak casks and bottled at 48.8% ABV.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

The nose carries deep floral and fruit notes of rose, violet, peach, pear and blackcurrant with vanilla and coconut, some honey and chocolate.

Taste

The silk like mouthfeel glides over the tongue, bringing tart fruits of blackberry and green apple with golden barley.

Finish

Long, with vanilla fudge sweetness and gently warming cinnamon spice.

It is priced at 50 GBP.

The Loch Lomond Single Grain Cooper's Collection Mizunara Cask Finish is the first in a series of annual limited releases and has an outturn of only 3,000 bottles. The distillery is one of the rare few with an on-site cooperage, and has worked with its coopers to select first and second fill American Oak Bourbon barrels, before allowing the whisky to undergo six additional months of maturation in Mizunara Japanese Oak casks.

Official Tasting Notes

Aroma

Rose, honeysuckle, blackcurrant and toasted oak.

Taste

Sweet spice character with apple, sandalwood, honey and cinnamon.

Finish 

Dry, warming oak spice.

It is bottled at 50% ABV and priced at 60 GBP.

Lead image courtesy of Loch Lomond.

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team