Whisky Focus - Loch Lomond 54 Year Old

Loch Lomond Distillery has unveiled a rare expression of their single malt whisky, Loch Lomond 54 Year Old, this is the oldest expression of Loch Lomond to have been released to date from the distillery, it was distilled in 1967, just one year after the distillery’s rather unique straight neck stills began production back in 1966.

The Loch Lomond 54 Year Old has been crafted from unpeated malted barley, it was initially matured in a refill American Oak hogshead before being recasked into a refill European oak sherry hogshead in 1994. After 54 years the angels have obviously had a good share from each of the casks on the whisky's maturation journey leaving  a total of only 55 bottles which have been bottled at 42.1% ABV, non chill-filtered and natural in colour.

As you would expect for such a rare dram it is presented in premium packaging, this has been inspired by the surrounding landscape and the distillery’s unique straight neck pot stills. Presented in a striking hand-made Glencairn Crystal 30% lead crystal decanter, a unique and premium version of the distiller’s recently refreshed bottle design.

The decanter features a heavy plinth style base which is hand engraved with satin gold infill and features a gold satin aged effect metal coin bearing the Loch Lomond Whiskies stag logo. The decanter is housed in a multi-layered oak box, hand-crafted to represent the contours of the area around the single malt’s namesake loch.

The tactility of place is highlighted through the exterior packaging design, providing context and a sense of scale to this diverse geological area.

Loch Lomond tells me that the gentle maturation over 54 years has created a whisky of refined richness and exceptional character that embodies the elegance and quality of the Loch Lomond Whiskies distillation process.

Loch Lomond 54 Year Old has been nurtured by each Master Blender over the decades and passed into the careful custodianship of current Loch Lomond Whiskies Master Blender, Michael Henry who said: "We are honoured to take our name from the most famous of all Scotland’s lochs. Loch Lomond is a very special part of the world, spectacularly marking the boundary between the lowlands and the highlands of Scotland.

"From the wild peaks of the magnificent Ben Lomond to the rocky coastline and sprawling glens close to the distillery, the location epitomises everything that Scotland stands for and has inspired many poets, writers, musicians, and artists for generations. Today, its beauty has been the guiding influence of our whisky and is reflected on the beautiful presentation box in which it is housed..

"It is a real privilege to work with a whisky so rare. Our 54 Year Old single malt whisky had been maturing for more than 40 years before I joined as Master Blender in 2007.

"It takes a very special cask of whisky to make it to 54 years old, and the expectations are high when working with liquid as special and scarce as this. It was a huge undertaking and came with great responsibility. Selecting and perfecting this single malt was a true honour, and we’re proud to announce its release – ready to be enjoyed as a rare piece of distilling history.

"Although steeped in tradition, innovation sits at the very heart of our approach to whisky making. We believe this is the best way to create great whisky of unwavering quality."

Loch Lomond 54 Year Old is bottled at 41.1% ABV and as you can imagine you will need deep pockets if you want to taste it with a RRP of £24,000 and it will be available from specialist online whisky shops such as The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky Shop, Hard To Find Whisky and Master of Malt
 

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Whisky Focus