Lochlea Single Malt - Sowing Edition

The recently built Lochlea Distillery has made a limited edition bottling available to the  Alberta market - the Sowing Edition (First Crop). Lochlea began distilling near the town of Ayr (the familial home of Robbie Burns) in 2018 with the intention of producing a classic Lowland-profile whisky. Shortly after startup the distillery team was joined by Malcolm Rennie who brought nearly 30 years of industry experience, having worked at Kilchoman, Bruichladdich and Ardbeg. 

This edition looks to shine a light one of the three ingredients for single malt whisky: namely, the barley. This particular expression is meant to represent Spring, when the barley seeds are sown. This whisky is the second release from the distillery and was aged in 100% first-fill bourbon casks (the first release, which was UK only, used a combination of Bourbon and PX Sherry casks).

Nose: Sugary shortbread, white pepper and a distinct butterscotch note. A few drops of water brings out sweet vanilla and lemon hard candy.

Palate: A thin but satisfying mouthfeel with cracked black peppercorns and a hint of baking spices. There is a slight alcoholic bite but given it's young age, that’s to be expected. Also expected lemon to carry through but it was absent. 

Finish: The finish carries the more prominent spices along with green tea. Lemon drops appear on the back palate.