In this 2023 edition, they have used 100% ex-Bourbon 1st fill casks, stored at the top of their warehouses. The heat, faster maturation and older distillate combine to give a result and a nice improvement on last year's edition.
Lochlea Distillery is an independent single malt distillery based at Lochlea Farm in the heart of Ayrshire. Run by renowned and former Laphroaig distillery manager John Campbell, the family farm grows and harvests its own barley, ensuring complete traceability from field to bottle - the only stage of production not currently carried out on the farm is malting, although this will probably soon be the case.
Historically, Lochlea is the only distillery where Robert Burns actually lived and worked on the farm from 1777 to 1784.
Nose: Powerful, complex and spicy, with hints of Sherry and dried fruit.
Mouth: Round despite the high alcohol content, lovely complexity with notes of vanilla, exotic fruit, sweet spices and Sherry PX well present despite its young age.
Nose: Bunnahabhain Equinox & Solstice 11 Year Old reveals subtle aromas of peat, dried fruit and honey. Feel: On the palate, there are notes of cereal, vanilla and ripe fruit, with a light iodine touch characteristic of Islay whiskies. Finish: The finish is long and warm, giving way to woody and spicy nuances, for a tasting full of character.
Nose: A fresh sea breeze with salty notes leads the way, followed by soft medicinal peat smoke. Underneath lie hints of lemon zest, roasted almonds and a touch of wet stone.
Mouth: Full-bodied and powerful with a rich, oily texture. Smoke and sweet vanilla are beautifully balanced by roasted malt, black pepper and a hint of citrus fruit. A touch of menthol adds a refreshing twist.
Finish: Long and warming with lingering smoke, subtle spice and a mineral, slightly bitter edge that fades gracefully.
Nose: Sweet aromas of ripe fruit and vanilla. Mouth: A smooth texture with notes of honey and sweet spices. Finish: A long, warm finish with notes of oak and dried fruit.