Lochlea reveals first core range
Ayrshire-based independent distillery Lochlea has launched its first permanent whisky line after concluding its seasonal series this year.
The new Single Estate Range includes three expressions – Orchard & Oak, Dark Briar, and Smoke Without Fire – which join the distillery’s flagship expression, Our Barley.
All three whiskies are made from 100% barley grown on Lochlea Farm, and matured and blended onsite at the distillery.
The new range is said to showcase the whiskies’ Ayrshire roots and emphasise the distillery’s commitment to transparency and sustainability.
Jill Boyd, master blender at Lochlea Distillery, said: “Our new Single Estate Range marks a shift from our limited, seasonal releases – reflecting both the growing maturity of our stock, our confidence in the distillery and our ability to continue to create consistent, beautiful spirit all onsite here.
“With access to a wide variety of mature stocks and the cask consistency needed to create a full core series, now felt like the ideal time to embrace the opportunity to put this range together. We aim to root each whisky in the character and creativity of our earlier seasonal expressions, but designed to offer something a little more: classic, much-loved whisky styles with a distinctive Lochlea twist – on a permanent basis.”
The first new expression, Orchard & Oak, is aged in a combination of first-fill Bourbon, virgin American oak, and Calvados casks. On the nose, it displays aromas of fresh green apple, cut grass, and light floral notes, followed on the palate by notes of apple cake, buttery caramel, and oaky spice.
Dark Briar is matured in Pedro Ximénez, oloroso Sherry butts, and Port casks. The expression offers notes of red berries, vanilla caramel, and baking spices.
Completing the range, Smoke Without Fire, has been matured in a combination of ex-peated refill Bourbon barrels and red wine casks. On the nose, it displays aromas of red berries, cherry blossom, and bonfire smoke, followed on the palate by salted smoke, bonfire char, and floral notes.
All three expressions are offered at 46% ABV and non-chill filtered, retailing for £50 (US$67) for a 700ml bottle.
The Lochlea Single Estate Range will be available from 4 September, including from whisky specialists and independent retailers across the UK and in more than 30 international markets.
Boyd added: “These components aim to provide structure and variety, while the Lochlea character, fruit-forward with a delicate ribbon of cereal, runs through each expression. The introduction of our three new core expressions to stand alongside Our Barley helps create a rounder collection of whiskies, individually compelling, yet unmistakably part of the same family.
“We hope people will enjoy exploring every dram across the range.”
Earlier this year, Lochlea concluded its seasonal series and debuted a peated Sherry cask whisky.
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