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.

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.

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

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