Whisky Review/Tasting: Loch Lomond Organic Blend 12y-/2013

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Loch Lomond, Scotland.
Type: Single blended whisky, combining grain and malt whiskies from the same distillery.
Distillation: Utilizes two sets of stills - column stills for grain production and pot stills (including unique pot stills with a rectifier on top) for malt whisky.
Maturation: Aged for 12 years, with no specific details on the type of casks used, but it's suggested that older casks were used, and there's an absence of rejuvenated casks for this batch.
Age Statement: 12 years.
Color and Clarity: Natural color, not too dark, indicating the use of refill casks.
Bottle Design: The bottle is marked as organic, certified by the British Agriculture Soil Association.

Nose: Light, with a hint of fruitiness and noticeable alcohol presence (46% ABV), lacking vanilla and caramel notes typically derived from oak casks.
Palate: Begins with grain whisky notes, followed by a cask influence that introduces chocolate notes and stronger fruitiness, with exotic fruits being hinted at but not specifically identifiable.
Finish: Oakiness is prominent in the aftertaste, with the smooth grain whisky preventing the development of excessive oakiness found in older Loch Lomond whiskies.

The Loch Lomond distillery's unique capability to produce both grain and malt whisky in-house allows for the creation of this single blended whisky. The distillery's adaptation to the 2009 Scotch Whisky Association regulations, which mandated malt whisky production only in pot stills, is highlighted as a significant change in their production process.

Loch Lomond holds a unique position in Scotland for being able to produce both grain and malt whisky, contributing to the distinctiveness of this single blended whisky. The organic certification by the British Agriculture Soil Association emphasizes a commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly production practices.

Horst Luening describes the whisky as "quite unique" due to its single blend nature and organic certification. He notes the absence of typical vanilla and caramel notes and highlights the light fruitiness and chocolate notes as standout characteristics.

Loch Lomond Organic Blend is a 12-year-old single blended whisky, combining grain and malt whiskies from the same distillery.
It is certified organic by the British Agriculture Soil Association.
The whisky is characterized by a light nose, a palate with grain whisky and cask influences, and an oaky finish.
Unique in its production, it reflects the distillery's capability to produce both grain and malt whisky.
The absence of rejuvenated casks and the use of older casks contribute to its flavor profile.
It is reasonably priced and targeted at connoisseurs interested in experiencing a single blend.

Whisky Connoisseurs: Those with an interest in unique production methods and organic certification will find this whisky particularly appealing.
Sustainable and Eco-conscious Drinkers: Individuals who prioritize organic and environmentally friendly products will appreciate the certification and production practices.
Fans of Lighter Whiskies: Drinkers who prefer whiskies with a lighter nose and subtle fruitiness might enjoy this Loch Lomond blend.