Lochlea releases second age-statement whisky

Ayrshire distillery Lochlea has launched a limited edition whisky to celebrate its sixth anniversary.

The launch follows last year’s release, which was the brand’s first age-statement whisky and sold out on its first day of sales. As with last year’s five-year-old whisky, the expression blends liquid from casks laid down in the distillery’s inaugural year, 2018. This year’s release has been selected by newly appointed master blender Jill Boyd and distillery manager Darren McCormick, who are at the helm of Lochlea’s whisky production following the departure of John Campbell last year. Six casks have been chosen for the expression: three Bourbon barrels and three oloroso Sherry casks. Boyd said: “It’s been such a pleasure to start my time at Lochlea with the creation of our six-year-old single malt. “Three oloroso casks provide a rich depth, with flavours of juicy, ripe berries, sticky dates, and candied ginger. Complementing this, three Bourbon barrels add a touch of sweetness, with delicate vanilla and light caramel lending a brightness that allows the fruit and sweetness from all six casks to truly shine. “The finish is rich and lingering, with silky tannins and warm oak spices rounding out the whisky.” Lochlea 6-Year-Old will be released on 24 January, just in time for Burns Night on 25 January. The distillery is located on Lochlea Farm, where Scottish poet Robert Burns lived and worked between 1777 and 1784. The expression is limited to 2,500 bottles worldwide and retails for £90 (US$110).