Lochlea Fallow Limited Edition – First Crop (46% abv)

Lochlea Fallow Edition First Crop Lowland single malt Scotch whisky. Released on 3rd November 2022, this is the third release of the seasonal series. Matured in Ex-Sherry Oloroso first fill casks. Limited edition of 9,000 bottles.

Tasting Notes:
The colour is dark amber.
On the nose, the contribution of the ex-Sherry casks translates mainly into an even over-pronounced vinous note (which, in terms of intensity, doesn’t retreat one step over time), along with figs, sultanas, nuts (walnuts and almonds) and milk chocolate. A floral vagueness in the background accompanies impressions of salted caramel and roasted chestnuts, with a touch of nutmeg. A fleeting memory of zabaglione appears in the distance.
On the palate, the entry is lively peppery (white pepper) and lends a certain dynamism to a profile of orange zest, caramel (unsalted), sultanas and hazelnut cream. Peach in syrup and a very ripe yellow apple complete a decidedly more harmonious and convincing picture, even if the finish, unfortunately, is not very long, with faint hints of milk chocolate and caramel, and a hint of citrus.

The sherried dimension, so exuberant on the nose, fortunately finds greater balance on the palate, and the whole, though largely perfectible, is certainly a fine promise of things to come.