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Lochlea
Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 2 is bottled at a whopping 60% ABV. It’s a combination of single malt Scotch whisky aged in refill bourbon then in Pedro Ximénez (60%), oloroso (28%), and whisky double matured in American oak and European oak STR barriques (shave, toasted, and re-charred - though not heavily charred in this case so the Lochlea spirit can shine).
Once you get deep enough into whisky, there are a couple of topics you start to encounter: batches and rebuys. Batches are particularly relevant to cask-strength whiskies, because blending generally helps diffuse variation and make a whisky more consistent. For me, “batch” sits somewhere between “single cask” and “age statement” as a way of identifying a particular expression. People still rave about Bunnahabhain 12 Batch 2022, after all. A rebuy is a whisky that, once you've had a bottle in your collection, you'd happily buy again after finishing it. It's one of the highest praises a whisky can get from an enthusiast. Because, let's be honest, there are plenty of good whiskies out there. But finding one that makes you want to spend the money on another bottle is a different matter. For me, Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 2 is probably the first whisky I've ever had that I'd happily rebuy. It's not that I haven't had other great whiskies—I have, plenty of them. But I really think this one was something special, and I'm not sure they're going to beat it.
At first sip, I was skeptical. But over time, it actually grew on me, and now I consider this whiskey to be good value for money. The Oloroso and PX casks at 60% ABV are really brought to life.
I've tried a few Lochlea whiskies and enjoy them all. This batch 2 cask edition is packed with flavour but I'm not sure I would recommend it to the whisky purists. It's packed full of spicy fruit, very similar to a decent brandy. If you like brandy, you will love this whisky. If you prefer something more conventional, then look at the other editions.
Lots of dark fruit, sweetness with a hint of spice. Great to drink as is, but a few drops of water really opens up the flavour. I’ll be back for more.
Had a bottle of the Batch 1 last year which has been my favourite liquid from Lochlea so far. The Batch 2 is a beautiful follow up. Much richer and chewier than Batch 1, but still with that Lochlea fruitiness. I think I might have a new favourite...
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