Simon Wittenberg takes a look at the new super-premium expression launched by the independent distiller Loch Lomond Whiskies which sits in the shadow of the majestic Ben Lomond mountain and whose roots were first established more than 200 years ago.
Scotland’s Loch Lomond Whiskies has unveiled its newest aged single malt, a 45 Year Old, which is limited to just 200 individually-numbered bottles priced at £3,450 each.
The expression is the first of three releases in The Remarkable Stills Series from the Alexandria-based distillery, commemorating the brand’s use of innovative and unique straight neck pot stills. These stills, which are unique to Loch Lomond, give the distiller more control over the type of spirit produced, allowing for a greater separation of flavours and thereby helping to create the distinct fruity characters that Loch Lomond has become famous for.
Distilled in 1973, the super-premium Loch Lomond 45 Year Old has been matured in American oak casks before lying in a first-fill oloroso sherry barrel to deliver a distinctly sweet flavour. Bottled at 42.2% and non-chill filtered, the Loch Lomond 45 Year Old showcases flavours of red apple, pear, tropical fruits and honey.
The expression bestows floral scents on the nose before offering notes of orange blossom and melted brown sugar. The finish is long and presents waves of warming cinnamon spice and tart green fruits.
The liquid is presented in a Loch Lomond premium bottle complete with a debossed copper plaque and is enclosed in a beautifully crafted oak wood box designed to mirror the design of the Loch Lomond straight neck pot stills.
The launch of the 45 Year Old follows a branding refresh and extension of the Loch Lomond Whiskies portfolio, which took place earlier in 2021. This included the addition of a 21 and 30 Year Old to the line-up.
Michael Henry, Master Blender at Loch Lomond Whiskies, said that the straight neck pot stills connects them to the spirit of innovation that was built into the distillery from the beginning and places flavour at the centre of what they do.
He added that after 45 years of ageing in American oak and oloroso sherry casks, the whisky retains the distillery’s character and showcases Loch Lomond Whiskies’ signature fruity flavour.
To mark the launch of the rare expression, a new webpage was created detailing exactly how the liquid was made over a period of more than four decades and includes information on the characteristics of Loch Lomond’s unique pot stills, which lie at the heart of the 45 Year Old.
Loch Lomond 45 Year Old – Where and How?
For more information on Loch Lomond 45 Year Old, visit www.lochlomondwhiskies.com.
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