Lochlea concludes second seasonal series

The latest release from Ayrshire distillery Lochlea is aged in ex-Islay casks.

Lochlea Ploughing Edition Second Crop is inspired by winter on the distillery’s farm, when the fields are ploughed in preparation for spring’s sowing season.

The first Ploughing Edition was the brand’s first peated single malt.

Both expressions reflect production director John Campbell’s Islay heritage, where he grew up and worked in his former role at Laphroaig.

The Second Crop series also features Sowing, Harvest and Fallow.

Campbell said: “We are excited to share our new Ploughing Edition (Second Crop) that shows the experimental side of Lochlea that we are always looking to explore more.

“As Islay whiskies are so well respected and much loved, we wanted to ensure we tip our hat to this unique style of whisky carefully and done in the right way.

“With Ploughing Edition (Second Crop), we want to play on our fruit-forward, characterful and biscuity Lochlea house style and give it a special Islay twist using casks that have spent a significant amount of time housing and maturing some of Islay’s finest single malts.”

Lochlea Ploughing Edition Second Crop is non-chill-filtered and bottled at 46% ABV.

It has ‘fresh green apple’ and ‘signature Lochlea cereal’ on the nose, followed by ‘succulent fruit’ and ‘freshly cut summer hay’ on the palate. On the finish, the smoky notes and ‘lingering peaty embers’ come through.

It will retail for £51.50 (US$66) and be available from today (7 March).

Earlier this year, the brand released its first age-statement single malt as part of its fifth-anniversary celebrations.