A big, exciting step for the young Lowlands-based Lochlea distillery. Our Barley is the first single malt to join the distillery's core range! Following the popularity of its Single Malt First Release, the Lochlea team set about creating this expression for all to enjoy. Matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks, as well as shaved, toasted and re-charred barriques, the whisky was bottled up without any added colour, or chill filtration. Judging by this, there's a promising future for Lochlea!
Sweet, juicy fruit salad, a drizzle of honey, and sugared orange peel with soft notes of grassy malt beneath.
Buttered soda bread, crushed almonds, tinned peaches with chantilly cream. Prickles of peppery barley gently build.
A touch of maple syrup and nutty, toasted oak. Creamy layers of vanilla soften the spice.
Nice dram… sweet, smooth, fruity and some white pepper before a medium short creamy finish
Was critical of this when i got it july 2022..best i could say was "inoffensive" Has taken 6 months for the flavours to develop and now "pleasant". Not sufficiently viscous for the flavours to linger. Probably a good choice for people new to malts; not too complex. Not in the same class as Raasay though when considering new distilleries.
Rather excellent.....very smooth and loads of complexity for a young malt.
For a young whisky this is cracking - smooth, complex and satisfying
Fantastic dram from a promising new distillery. Keep it up Lochlea!
