Lochlea launches Harvest Edition Second Crop

Scottish distillery Lochlea has released the second batch of its seasonal whisky series, Harvest Edition Second Crop.

The single malt whisky was aged in a combination of Tawny and Ruby Port casks, STR (shaved, charred and re-toasted) barriques and first-fill Bourbon barrels.

Bottled at 46% ABV, the whisky sits at the same strength as the First Crop bottling. It is priced at RRP £51.60 (US$66) per bottle.

John Campbell, production director, said: “As a working farm, these expressions tie in to reflect our farming calendar here at Lochlea.

“For this year’s Harvest Edition Second Crop, we have incorporated a much higher proportion of Port casks as the spirit is another year older and we felt that it could stand up to the richness and intensity these casks add.

“This has really helped enhance the whisky’s creaminess, whilst also introducing a delightful peppery, floral spice that the spirit gets from the STR barriques.”

Tasting notes for Harvest Edition Second Crop include aromas of dates, red grapes, thick cut marmalade, with pink peppercorns and dried fruit on the palate. It is described as having a ‘beautiful lingering creamy finish’.

Last year, Lochlea launched the first whisky that will form part of its core range, Our Barley.

Earlier this year, SB spoke to David Ferguson, commercial director at Lochlea, about the company’s performance to date and plans for the future. He explained how Lochlea doubled its forecast sales in 2022 and was ‘slightly ahead’ of its 2023 targets.