Loch Lomond is a lowland distillery which produces a range of whiskies under the Loch Lomond and Inchmurrin brands.
This Loch Lomond Single Grain whisky is a little unusual in that the grain is 100% malted barley.
Grain whiskies are typically made up from a selection of grains including corn, wheat or rye in addition to malt.
And why isn’t is called a Single Malt? This is due to the fact that it has been distilled Loch Lomond’s Column Stills, and SWA Rules define a Single Malt as having been distilled in a pot still.
It’s bottled at a healthy 46% ABV.
Colour
Pale straw.
Nose
Lovely sweet nose, with cut grass, floral honey, citrus oil, malty vanilla, beeswax and a touch of furniture polish.
As it develops orange blossom, lemon curd and a host of sweet shop favourites can be detected; fruit salads, sherbert lemons and pear drops.
I’m sure I also got a hint of pencil shavings.
Palate
Rich, silky mouth feel. Sweet arrival with syrupy pineapple and boiled travel sweets.
A little toffee, then Orange Marmalade bitterness appears before turning slightly sharp and the arrival of some peppery leather notes.
Finish
Fruit disappears, leaving a slightly waxy vanilla finish; medium length.
Water
Doesn’t destroy the whisky, but probably not recommended. I found that it didn’t bring anything new to the flavour and dulled the sweet fruit flavours disappear from both nose and palate.
Overall
A very pleasant dram; light and fruity. This would be a great summer aperitif. There’s more complexity on the nose than in the flavour but it’s still one I could see myself going back to regularly.
Worth seeking out for a taste.
Thanks to Steve Rush of The Whisky Wire and Loch Lomond Distillery for the sample.
Braw Spirit 