Whisky Review/Tasting: Loch Lomond 18 Years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Highland, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Loch Lomond distillery utilizes two column stills for grain whisky, two Inchmurrin stills with a rectifier for a clearer spirit, and two traditional pot stills for a hefty, voluminous malt whisky. This variety allows for a unique single blend production.
Age Statement: 18 years.
Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the bottle is green, suggesting a traditional Scotch whisky appearance.
Bottle Design: The new bottling features an engraved bottle with three labels (two front, one back), indicating a more premium and expensive production process.

Balance of Flavors: Complex, with a balance between fruitiness, smokiness, oakiness, and bitterness.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its transition from a fruity and slightly smoky nose to a strong oaky and bitter aftertaste.
Comparison: Not directly compared to other whiskies, but its complexity and hefty character might align it with other aged Highland whiskies known for their depth and oak-driven profiles.

Distillery Visits: Horst Luening's repeated attempts to visit the Loch Lomond distillery since 1994, highlighting the distillery's transformation from an unpleasant, inaccessible site to a clean, modern facility.
Production Innovations: The distillery's unique combination of stills, including the Inchmurrin stills with rectifiers, is emphasized as a distinctive feature contributing to the whisky's character.

Historical Licensing: Loch Lomond was licensed in 1814, a decade before the general licensing of Highland distilleries, due to its proximity to Glasgow and the arbitrary tax line dividing Highlands from Lowlands.
Highland Identity: Despite its early licensing, Loch Lomond firmly identifies as a Highland whisky, contributing to the rich tapestry of Scotch whisky's regional identities.

Loch Lomond 18 Years is a complex Highland single malt with a unique distillation process.
The whisky offers a balance of fruitiness, smokiness, oakiness, and bitterness, with a particularly strong oaky and bitter aftertaste.
The distillery's history and transformation are highlighted, along with its early licensing and Highland identity.
The new bottling features a higher alcohol content (46%), no chill filtration, no coloring, and a redesigned premium bottle.
Recommended for those who appreciate a complex, oaky profile with a rewarding intensity.

For the Whisky Connoisseur: The complexity and unique production process of Loch Lomond 18 Years, along with its historical significance, make it a fascinating addition to a connoisseur's collection.
For the Adventurous Drinker: Those interested in exploring the diverse profiles of Highland whiskies will find Loch Lomond 18 Years intriguing due to its unique blend of distillation techniques and flavor profile.
Not Recommended for: Beginners or those who prefer lighter, less oaky whiskies. The intense oakiness and bitterness might be overwhelming for those new to whisky or with a preference for sweeter, fruitier profiles.