Loch Lomond 14 Year Old

46%, Non chill filtered with colouring. Nose: apple, orchard fruits, cinnamon, nutmeg and a faint wiff of smoke. Palate: Baked apple desert (something like apple pie or an apple Danish with a touch of lemon juice) large amounts of cinnamon, nutmeg, fall spices and a touch of ginger. Finish: medium short with a vanilla fudge and a subtle clean whisp of smoke.   I’ve had this bottle for almost 8 months now, given the time to breath it has changed from what me and the wife described as “fall in a bottle” to something more autumn desert. At first opening this was more, fresh red apple and or apple cider with heaps of cinnamon and a subtle bit of smoke, something that would pair well with a day’s outing apple picking on a cold fall day. Now, it offers a wonderful baked apple pastry with various strong spices, the fudginess that was completely undetectable at first emerges from the smoke that once hid it. This is a straightforward whisky that does everything the label says, quality is there with just the right amount of play to make it stand out. I have thoroughly enjoyed this one, to the point that I bought a second bottle before finishing the first. Price point I think Loch Lomond has done a good job of producing a quality mid range, age statement whisky at an affordable price, paired with how well it goes with the season I would say this could be a hit.

Nose: Chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla, oak, honey, green apples Palate: Chocolate, cinnamon, plums, honey, apples Finish: Chocolate, plums, oak, vanilla Very good maturation here with the port casks. The base formula of the 12 year old is in the background but is now elevated to new heights.

Dominant taste notes are oak and peat. A touch of sweetness follows. Not sure I get the spiced apple claimed on the box. Nice enough if you’re in the mood for a peaty whiskey.

Brown sugar melted in butter on the nose. The palate is sweet and rich. The finish is vanilla, cinnamon and cardamom.

I’ve attended a masterclass and tried 12,14,18,21 YO and the best for me in regards to price/quality is 14YO