Single Malt Scotch Whisky
So, what is single malt whisky? By law, Single Malt Scotch Whisky is defined as whisky distilled in a copper pot still at a single distillery in Scotland, using only malted barley, yeast and water. It must then be matured in oak casks in Scotland for at least three years and one day, and then bottled at an alcohol volume of no less than 40%.
There are 5 Scotch whisky regions; Highland, Speyside, Lowland, Islay & Campbeltown. Loch Lomond distillery sits proudly in the Highland region, situated just minutes from the beauty that is Loch Lomond & the Trossachs.
Our Unique Process
At Loch Lomond, we have a unique approach to making whisky.
We distil our single malts using 2 styles of still at Loch Lomond - the straight neck pot still and a more traditional swan neck pot still. The uniqueness of our pot malt stills rests in the cylindrical necks of the spirit stills. Traditionally the necks of malt stills are open. The stills at our distillery include special distillation trays in the necks, allowing for greater contact with the cooling alcohol vapour.
These innovative stills give superior control at the distillation stage allowing us to take the spirit off at various cut points, which allows for different ‘flavour notes’ to be captured and emphasised through the range of alcohol strengths that can be captured and rejected.
For example, our Loch Lomond Inchmurrin 12 Year Old uses unpeated spirit from our straight neck stills only, creating a distinctively lighter and more floral whisky, whereas our Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12 Year Old uses a combination of peated spirit from both our traditional swan neck pot still and our straight neck pot still, creating an unconventional peat character with a lot of depth, marrying smoke and spiciness.
Our distillation techniques across all of our stills allow us to maintain the fruity character developed during our extra-long 92 hour fermentation process; ensuring all single malts across the Loch Lomond ranges carry the signature fruity distillery character.
Maturation
Now it's time to wait. The maturation process allows the spirit to interact with the wood and absorb the unique characteristics of the cask. At Loch Lomond, we most commonly use ex-American oak bourbon barrels to create the sweet & fruity signature flavour that our whisky is known for. However, explore our warehouse and you will also find some ex oloroso sherry casks, European oak and many other interesting cask types.
For example, our 14 year old is matured in refill American oak casks and finished for 12 months in lightly toasted French Oak from the Limousin area, which imparts sweet, spicy notes of cinnamon and clove.
With decades of experience to draw upon, our Master Blender knows exactly how every cask is maturing at any given time and with just the right level of care and attention, we nurture each and every cask ensuring the whisky within is of the highest quality and is bottled at the perfect time.
Our Cooperage
Our distillery is one of only 4 distilleries in Scotland to have a cooperage on-site, at the distillery. Having our very own cooperage allows us to ensure that barrel repairs and charring are carried out to an exacting standard, so every cask is perfect for maturing our Loch Lomond whisky. In just one year, our coopers rejuvenate around 10,000 barrels, from tightening the metal hoops, repairing or replacing the wooden staves and re-charring the wood before refilling with new whisky.
Loch Lomond Signature Style
Craft & style are intrinsically linked. The sweep of the artists touch, the care of woodcarvers hand, the tuning of an instrument to evoke the perfect note. For us, whisky is no different.
We have shaped our distilling style to be as identifiable as the work of any craftsmen or composer. Through the distilling choices we make, our expressions always deliver fruit, sweet honey and soft smoke.
It's our style, it's timeless and distinctive and keeps us true to our origins.
Our Single Malt Whiskies
Original Single Malt Whisky
Smoothed to Perfection - 40% ABV
An exceptionally smooth and easy drinking single malt scotch whisky, showcasing creamy malty notes, light fruit and a touch of smoke.
Loch Lomond 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky
Perfectly Balanced - 46% ABV
Our 12 year old is a perfect representation of our signature style, delivering a deep fruity character which is overlaid with hint of peat and smoke. Matured in a combination of three cask types – bourbon, refill and re-charred.
Loch Lomond Inchmurrin 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky
Fruity & Sweet - 46% ABV
Distilled in our unique straight neck stills to create a distinctive lighter whisky with subtle floral notes. Aged in three types of hand-selected casks, bourbon, refill and recharred.
Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky
Smoke & Spice - 46% ABV
Delicately crafted and full-bodied single malt with a beautifully balanced peat character. Matured in refill and recharred oak casks which ensure the sweeter notes of this single malt are brought to the fore.
Loch Lomond 14 Year Old Single Malt Whisky
Fruit & Cinnamon- 46% ABV
Matured in refill American oak casks and finished for 12 months in French Oak from the Limousin area. The result is a delightful fruity single malt, with grapefruit citrus, sweet toffee and warming cinnamon spice.
Loch Lomond 18 Year Old Single Malt Whisky
Fruit & Spice- 46%ABV
Aged for 18 years in our finest oak barrels, this single malt is rich and elegant. A deep fruity character intertwined with warm spice and gentle smoke.
Loch Lomond 21 Year Old Single Malt Whisky
46%ABV
The Loch Lomond 21 Year Old whisky uses only spirit from our straight neck pot stills and is both complex and elegant. Expect sweet vanilla, fruity notes of peach and pear with lingering oak spice.
Loch Lomond 30 Year Old Single Malt Whisky
47% ABV
Matured in American Oak barrels and finished in Oloroso sherry casks, Loch Lomond 30 year old is a smooth and elegant whisky, with a deep fruit character of kiwi, gooseberry and lime. Bottled at 47%, free from caramel colouring and chill filtration
Whichever Loch Lomond whisky you choose, it's sure to be a dram to remember.
