Whisky Review/Tasting: Loch Lomond Original

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Loch Lomond Distillery, located at the southern shore of Loch Lomond, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: The distillery is unique for being able to produce a single blend due to its possession of both grain whiskey column stills and pot stills. The pot stills are pear-shaped, producing a heavy malt whiskey, while the Inchmurin stills, equipped with a rectifier, yield a fruity and smooth whiskey. The whisky might be matured in rejuvenated casks, which are essentially old casks that have been scraped, toasted, and flamed to reactivate the oak, contributing to the whisky's oakiness.
Age Statement: No age statement.
Color and Clarity: Dark, with the color being artificially enhanced.
Bottle Design: The bottle is described as excellent, with engravings and a three-label design, indicating a significant investment in branding.

Balance of Flavors: Begins with sweetness and maltiness, transitioning to a dominant oakiness and ending with a bitter aftertaste.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its extreme oakiness, likely due to the use of rejuvenated casks. Despite the label's mention of sweetness, citrus, and syrup in the aftertaste, the actual taste is more bitter and oaky.
Comparison: The flavor profile is distinct from other whiskies due to its intense oakiness, making it suitable for mixing in cocktails where a strong whisky taste is desired.

Distillery History: Loch Lomond Distillery has undergone significant changes, from being an untidy industrial complex to a refurbished, clean, and shiny facility. It was sold to financial investors along with the Glenskosher distillery.
Production Capabilities: The distillery's unique setup allows for the production of both single malt and single blend whiskies, a rarity in the whisky world.

Location: The distillery's picturesque setting on Loch Lomond's southern shore is highlighted, though the whisky itself seems to be aimed at a broad market rather than emphasizing any specific cultural or geographical traits.

"This one is dark. Leather." - Initial impression of the whisky's aroma.
"It's the entry whiskey. And as I said, it's quite affordable." - Comment on its position as an introductory single malt.
"So intense with the spiciness of the oak that it might be the right one to put it into a coke or into other cocktails." - Recommendation for its use in mixed drinks.

Loch Lomond Original is a single malt Scotch whisky with no age statement, produced at the Loch Lomond Distillery in Scotland.
It features a dark color (with added coloring), a heavy bottle design with engravings, and a three-label design.
The flavor profile is characterized by initial sweetness and maltiness, leading to a dominant oakiness and a bitter aftertaste, likely due to maturation in rejuvenated casks.
The distillery's history and unique production capabilities are notable, including its ability to produce both single malt and single blend whiskies.
The whisky is recommended for use in cocktails due to its intense oakiness.

For Beginners: This whisky might be too intense in oakiness for beginners, but its affordability makes it an accessible entry point into single malts.
For Cocktail Enthusiasts: The intense oakiness and affordability make it an excellent choice for those looking to experiment with whisky-based cocktails.
For Whisky Collectors: Collectors might be interested in the unique production capabilities of Loch Lomond Distillery and the distinctive bottle design.
For Single Malt Aficionados: Those accustomed to single malts might find this offering intriguing due to its unique flavor profile and the distillery's innovative approach to whisky production.