Lochlea Distillery in Ayrshire has launched its second age-statement whisky, which also marks its oldest release to date. It follows the "milestone" five-year-old release from the distillery of 2024.
The release is the first since Jill Boyd, formerly of Halewood Artisanal Spirits and Compass Box, joined Lochlea as master blender late in 2024. Boyd, alongside distillery manager Darren McCormick, selected six casks all filled in 2018 — three bourbon and three oloroso — to form the six-year-old whisky.
Boyd commented: “It’s been such a pleasure to start my time at Lochlea with the creation of our six-year-old single malt. Three oloroso casks provide a rich depth, with flavours of juicy, ripe berries, sticky dates, and candied ginger.
“Complementing this, three bourbon barrels add a touch of sweetness, with delicate vanilla and light caramel lending a brightness that allows the fruit and sweetness from all six casks to truly shine. The finish is rich and lingering, with silky tannins and warm oak spices rounding out the whisky.”
Lochlea 6 Years Old will be released on 24 January 2025, to coincide with Burns Night. The date holds significance for the distillery: Scots poet Robert Burns lived and worked on the farmland on which the field-to-grass distillery now operates.
The Lochlea 6 Years Old (50% ABV, RRP £90) is non-chill filtered, with no added colouring. It will be available from selected retailers from 24 January 2025.