I love Lochside. It is a distillery which has spawned many stories during the short time that it produced whisky and the distillery buildings themselves were as iconic as could be.

The whisky produced at the distillery was destined for a number of blends, including Sandy McNab and DYC (who even bottled it as a single malt), so there wasn’t much of it to go around.

That being said, there are some independent expressions knocking about from time to time and one would do well to sample what they can get their hands on, for it is well worth it.

But while the malts from Lochside are well-known and well-received, the grain whisky produced at the distillery is far more obscure and unfairly left in the shadows. But those who have ventured forth and bottled expressions of Lochside grain know what the distillery was capable of, and one such independent bottler is the German company, Jack Wiebers.

This week’s review focuses on an expression of Lochside single grain which was distilled in 1966, matured for 40 long years before being bottled at a cask strength abv of 46.1% by Jack Wiebers for “The Old Train Line” series.

So, let’s jump right into the review!

Lochside 1966 40 Years Old Single Grain (Bottled by Jack Wiebers, 46.1% abv)

Colour: Golden syrup

Nose: Initial entry presents the rich bourbon hints that one would expect from a grain with such a long maturation in a bourbon cask, followed by the trademark hints of acetone and cereal.

Cinnamon, nutmeg and oak follow and are complemented rather surprisingly by a fruity note which is reminiscent of apricots and kiwi. White pepper and wheat follow closely after. (23/25)

Palate: Initial entry presents more of the rich bourbon hints detected on the nose, followed closely by the hit of acetone. The fruits then follow and apart from the apricots and kiwi, one is able to pick out lemon, lime and also wine gums.

With time, the oak reasserts itself and more of the grainy hints of wheat and other cereals combine beautifully with the oak and white pepper. (23/25)

Finish: Long and lingering on the finish, with the white pepper and oak becoming rather pronounced alongside the wheaty cereal note and just a touch of bourbon sweetness. (21/25)

Balance: As good as one can get from a well-aged grain, with the added surprise of the fruity hints bringing something different to the proceedings. A dangerously drinkable expression which serves well as an aperitif. (23/25)

Rating: 90/100

This expression of Lochside single grain was savoured at The Swan Song, which is a haven for some exceptional expressions available at even more exceptional prices. One would do very well to pay them a visit and I’m sure that you would have an utterly amazing experience while you’re there.

Until the next review, have a wonderful week ahead.

Slainte!

Brendan

Facebook: https://facebook.com/WhiskyMate 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWhiskyMate 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/WhiskyMate

More reviews: https://www.thesinglecask.sg/blogs/news