Loch Lomond and Glen Scotia

Renowned whisky brands Loch Lomond and Glen Scotia are finally making the trip from the highlands of Scotland to our shores, available exclusively through Vintage Cellars, First Choice Liquor and Liquorland. To celebrate the launch, Milk Bar Mag was invited to sample and experience the new range of high end whiskies hitting Australian shelves.

Loch Lomond pride themselves on being different, not just through their product but through their process. They implement a diverse range of methods for distilling and then casking their whiskies, all to create an eclectic array of flavours unlike anything else you’ll find on the market. A relatively young distillery, only opening in 1966, Loch Lomond is an entirely self-sufficient enterprise unlike many of the other major whisky brands. There is no outside sourcing of ingredients or facilities, maintaining complete control over every facet of the production process.

With Loch Lomond Group’s CEO Colin Matthews and Master Distiller Bill White on hand to walk us through our tasting, we began the first of eight drams, five from the Loch Lomond label and three from Glen Scotia. While many of the guests at the tasting were seasoned whisky drinkers, able to discuss intricacies of grain and barley, many others were beginners. It is a credit to the diverse range of flavours on offer that there was a drop for everyone.

Beginning with the light, smooth and fruity aromas of the High Commissioner and Loch Lomond Reserve, perfect for beginners, we continued on to the fuller bodied, crisp and smoky 12 and 18 Year Olds. The 12 Year Old offers hints of the three different types of cask the whisky was aged in, including American bourbon casks which, along with the single malt Glen Scotia Double Cask similarly prepared, creates a powerful burst of flavor that sends your tongue buzzing.

The Glen Scotia 15 Year Old Single Malt, matured in American Oak barrels, offers a palate of dry, citrusy elements while adding a drop or two of water brings the caramel elements to the fore. Finally we came to the Glen Scotia Victoriana, one of the more prestige bottles the distillery has to offer. Finished in a deep charred oak cask and bottled straight away, the Victoriana is distinguished by a smooth, spicy flavour that recalls elements of vanilla and blackcurrant.

For whisky lovers of all stripes, it is incredibly exciting for Loch Lomond and Glen Scotia to finally grace our shores while for those new to the whisky game, Loch Lomond’s range of smooth and rich blends will surely have something for you.

Loch Lomond and Glen Scotia 
Now available at Vintage Cellars, First Choice Liquor or Liquorland
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