Single Cask Nation (SCN) Loch Lomond 18 Year

In 2017, J&J Spirits launched a retail line of Single Cask Nation products specifically aimed at specialty whisky stores and finer whisk(e)y bars. These products were only available in the United States but are now available in Canada.

Croftengea is a single malt Scotch whisky,  one of many spirit types that hail from the Loch Lomond distillery. This highly versatile Highlands distillery is located in the town of Alexandria near the southern tip of the lake. The distillate rested in a second fill bourbon hogshead for a full 18 years before bottling without colour or chill-filtering. Total worldwide outturn: 284 bottles.

SCN Tasting Notes

Nose: : A funky combination of pine resin covered onion ring crisps (the maize snack sort) give way to chestnut honey and citrus zest. It’s a curious one we admit, but insists that you take a sip.

Palate: Rich in texture, the palate reminds you of the honey found in the nose but also brings cocoa powder to even out some of the sweetness. Further investigation brings an Italian antipasti of olive oil, Salame Napoli and fresh sourdough bread. Only then does the smoke reveal itself, gently unfurling on the tongue.

Finish: After our grazing feast, the finish is meaty and lasting. The final throws bring back some of the olive oil but this time with cracked black pepper in the end.