Lochlea Distillery Readies The Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 2
A new cask strength whisky from Lochlea Distillery will be released soon. It will be available to those who want a ‘bolder’ taste of the single malt. The Scotland-based distillery released its first ask strength single malt release in 2023.
Following a successful cask strength bottling last year, the farm-based distillery in Ayrshire will release Cask Strength Batch 2. The Batch 2 release will be older, with the majority of the liquid being five years old.
There is a cask make-up that has never been seen in a Lochlea release before. The distillery Batch 2 contains Pedro Ximénez (60%) and oloroso (28%), and shaved, toasted, and recharred (STR) wine barrels (12%).
Lochlea Distillery to Release The Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 2
John Campbell, Lochlea’s production director, said: “Last year’s Cask Strength exceeded expectations for a four-year-old, setting a high standard. With Batch 2 this year, we’ve once again surpassed expectations. This whisky packs a punch, showcasing a complexity greater than the sum of its parts.
“Cask Strength Batch 1 had lovely layers of fresh, tropical fruit. Batch 2 has less of the signature Lochlea green apple dominance, but will have more weight to it, with a floral, lively palate and peppery European oak finish. Batch 2 will feel bigger and bolder than Batch 1, making it an interesting dram to explore.”
The new Cask Strength Batch 2 (60% ABV) will be available from June 10, 2024, via the company’s online store. A list of distributors will also be released.
In 2018, Lochlea distilled its first whisky using barley from their own farm. The single malt has been distilled entirely using barley cultivated by Lochlea. As a farm distillery or single estate, Lochlea grows all the barley it needs on its own grounds. For now, the distillery grows Loreate. The whisky produced by Lochlea Distillery is rolls out under the motto “dare to be honest.”.
As such, the natural elements of the single malt should be traceable from harvesting to bottling. John Campbell, a proven master blender and manager, is on board to ensure that there is also a unique cask selection.