Cask-Strength Batch 2 reveals another side to Lochlea’s award-winning spirit

Award-winning Ayrshire distillery, Lochlea, will be revealing its second cask strength whisky on 10th June, just in time for Father's Day – the perfect dram for those looking for a bolder version of the farm-to-cask distillery's much celebrated single malt whisky.

Cask Strength Batch 2 follows last year's launch of the distillery's first ever cask strength bottling, released to show whisky lovers how the Lochlea house spirit tastes at a higher ABV.

Batch 2 differs from last year's release – not only is it older, but this year's bottling uses a cask make-up that the distillery has never shown before: Pedro Xímenez (PX) (60%) and Oloroso (28%) sherry butts, as well as STR barriques (12%). The various cask profiles give the whisky a weightier, peppery European Oak finish.

Each cask brings a different dimension to the final vatting: the Oloroso brings a creamy, dry and fruity character, the STR casks offer a spice and depth and the PX gives an interesting and unique sweet mustiness to the spirit.

Bottled at 60% ABV, this limited edition whisky is one of the oldest Lochlea whiskies to be released, with the majority of the liquid being five years old alongside a small amount of four year old spirit. The five year old spirit in the bottling also adds a fuller complexity to the final whisky.

John Campbell, Lochlea's Production Director said: "Last year's Cask Strength exceeded expectations for a 4-year-old, setting a high standard. With Batch 2 this year, we've once again surpassed expectations. This whisky packs a punch, showcasing a complexity greater than the sum of its parts."

"Cask Strength Batch 1 had lovely layers of fresh, tropical fruit. Batch 2 has less of the signature Lochlea green apple dominance, but will have more weight to it, with a floral, lively palate and peppery European Oak finish. Batch 2 will feel bigger and bolder than Batch 1, making it an interesting dram to explore."

Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 2 will be available from 10th June, RRP: £66.50 – the perfect special gift for Father's Day this year.

Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 2 Tasting Notes:

Nose: Apples, peach syrup, marmalade
Palate: Wild lavender, rose petals
Finish: Black pepper, dried fruit, hints of apple and pear

For a full list of Lochlea stockists, visit: Lochlea Distillery stockists