Whisky Focus - Two Limited Edition Loch Lomond Single Grain Whiskies

If you have a liking for Loch Lomond distillery's rather unique single grain whisky which is produced using only 100% barley then you just may be interested in their two latest limited releases - Loch Lomond Single Grain Distiller’s Choice and Loch Lomond Single Grain Cooper’s Collection Mizunara Cask Finish which are both the creative work of Loch Lomond Master Blender, Michael Henry.

If you are not familiar with Loch Lomond single grain whisky, what makes it rather unique in Scotland is that it is produced using 100% barley which has underwent an additional long fermentation time then distilled in Loch Lomond’s bespoke all copper, Continuous ‘Coffey’ Still, which creates a spirit with layers of deep and elegant floral fruit notes, showcasing Loch Lomond’s capability in flavour creation through distillation. You could argue that Loch Lomond single grain whisky is produced with a more flavoursome grain.

Loch Lomond Single Grain Cooper’s Collection Mizunara Cask Finish is the first in a series of annual limited releases, so more to come. This first release in the series is limited to just 3,000 bottles, the special edition is one of the rarest Single Grain whiskies to be released by Loch Lomond Whiskies.

Loch Lomond is one of only four distilleries in Scotland to have an on-site cooperage. This ensures that barrel repairs and charring are carried out to an exacting standard, so every cask is perfect for maturing Loch Lomond Whiskies’ characterful spirits.

Michael has worked closely with Loch Lomond Whiskies’ dedicated team of coopers to craft this release, carefully selecting higher age-statement whiskies to be matured in first and second fill American Oak Bourbon barrels. This special Single Grain is then finished for six months in the finest hand-crafted, rare Mizunara Japanese Oak casks, to elevate the natural flavours found within. The result is a whisky of wonderful character, enhanced with rich, fragrant spice derived from the Mizunara Oak casks.

Tjhe second whisky in this outturn is the Loch Lomond Single Grain Distiller’s Choice which is a marriage of a careful selection of Loch Lomond Whiskies’ aged single grains with more vibrant younger liquids, the result is said to be a whisky with layers of elegant fruit and floral character. This Single Grain has been matured in a selection of both first fill and second fill American Oak Bourbon barrels.

Both Single Grain whiskies are non-chill filtered and natural in colour, just as nature intended and each is presented in a bespoke black grain bottle embossed with the Loch Lomond Whiskies logo in striking silver and carries Michael’s signature as a personal guarantee of quality.

Loch Lomond Whiskies Master Blender, Michael Henry said: "We’re proud to introduce the latest additions to our Single Grain portfolio. Crafted using our innovative Coffey still, these are two very special whiskies with distinct and diverse flavours.

"Each expression has been crafted to showcase the floral fruit notes through distilling and influence finishing has on our grain whisky through cask selection."

Loch Lomond Whiskies is truly unique in its craftsmanship, using innovative techniques to explore flavour in a distinctive way. As the only distillery in Scotland to use its bespoke design of continuous Coffey Still, Loch Lomond Distillery has a whisky-making capability like no other.

This continuous still provides Loch Lomond Whiskies with greater control over the distillation process by allowing spirit to be taken off at different plates and at specific strengths, shaping the flavour profile and character of the whisky at the point of distillation.

You will find the Loch Lomond Single Grain Distiller’s Choice and Loch Lomond Single Grain Cooper’s Collection Mizunara Cask Finish available from specialist online whisky shops such as The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky Shop, Master of Malt and Hard To Find Whisky
 

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