Whisky Types: Single Malts & Blended Whiskies
Typical Taste: Sweet, smoky whisky with hints of Madeira wine
Situated in one of Scotland’s most picturesque areas is the Loch Lomond Scotch Whisky Distillery. It all started with the Bulloch family and its interest in the Scotch Whisky trade back in 1842. First involved in wholesaling the Bulloch family sold their own label whisky, gin and vodka and then purchased the Loch Lomond Distillery in 1985.
In 1993 a set of grain stills was added to the distillery to secure an adequate supply of grain whisky. Now Loch Lomond Distillery is the only distillery in Scotland producing both grain whisky and malt whisky on the same place. Loch Lomond Whisky Distillery produces an average of 10 million litres grain alcohol and 2.5 million litres of malt alcohol. The Single Malt and Single Grain whiskies are also used for making Loch Lomond Single Highland Blended Whisky.
All Loch Lomond whiskies are double-matured. Loch Lomond Single Malt is a sweet, smoky whisky with hints of Madeira wine and a long mellow finish with echoes of a raisiny Xmas pudding. Loch Lomond Highland Blended Whisky is a blend of 8 malt and one grain whisky, all from the Loch Lomond Distillery.
At the moment there are no tours available. However, the whiskies can be purchased online from the Loch Lomond Distillery Online Shop.
Whiskies
- Loch Lomond Single Malt – Cereal, sweetness, biscuit, creamy
- Loch Lomond 21 Year Old Black Label Single Malt – Peaty notes
- Loch Lomond Single Highland Blended Whisky – Smooth, vanilla, banana, hints of sherry
- Scots Earl Blended Scotch Whisky
- Distillery Select Scotch Single Malt
Opening Times: no tours available
Loch Lomond Distillery: Everything You Need to Know
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Scotland, Loch Lomond Distillery captures the essence of the region with its rich history, innovative techniques and, of course, its exquisite single-malt Scotch whisky. Established by former Littlemill Distillery owner Duncan Barton, the distillery is renowned for its unique pot malt stills with cylindrical necks, a feature that sets it apart from traditional malt stills.
The distillery is located amidst the breathtaking beauty of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, making it an unforgettable destination for whisky enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Visitors to the distillery can expect not only to indulge in the production, aromas, and flavours of its iconic whiskies, but also delight in the scenic surroundings that make this location truly enchanting.
A visit to Loch Lomond Distillery promises a memorable half-day tour experience, blending the best of Scotland’s natural splendour, intriguing distillation methods, and the chance to savour remarkable Loch Lomond whisky. Whether you are a connoisseur or a curious traveller, this guide aims to equip you with all the essential information for an enjoyable trip to this fascinating destination.
History of Loch Lomond Distillery
Origins and Founding
Loch Lomond Distillery has a rich history that dates back to 1814 when its first site was established at the north end of Loch Lomond near Tarbet. The current enterprise was founded in 1964 by the former owners of the Littlemill Distillery in Bowling. Production began at Loch Lomond the following year, in 1965.
Key Milestones and Developments
- 1964: Formation of the current Loch Lomond Distillery by Littlemill Distillery’s former owners
- 1965: Production of whisky begins at Loch Lomond
- 1984: The distillery briefly closes, also known as ‘falling silent’
- Innovative design: The original distillery was equipped with pot stills that featured rectifying plates in their necks, which allowed for the creation of different flavour streams
- Multiple styles: Loch Lomond is one of only two distilleries in Scotland that produces both malt and grain whisky, featuring three types of stills that allow for the production of thirteen styles of whisky from malted barley
Loch Lomond Distillery’s innovative approach and extensive range of styles have made it a significant player in the Scotch whisky industry and an interesting destination for visitors exploring Scotland’s whisky heritage.
Loch Lomond Whiskies
Loch Lomond Distillery is well-known for its diverse range of whiskies. Situated in the Highlands of Scotland, it has a rich history dating back to 1814. The distillery utilises traditional swan-necked stills and unique straight-necked stills for its whisky-making process, which results in a variety of distinct flavours in its products.
Core Range
The core range of Loch Lomond whiskies consists of the following single malt whiskies with different age statements and characteristics:
- Loch Lomond Original: A single malt whisky with 40% ABV, it presents a well-balanced flavour profile, suitable for those new to whisky or as a daily drink.
- Loch Lomond Single Malt 12 Years Old: This whisky, with a 46% ABV, offers a rich and fruity taste, showcasing the distillery’s unique character.
- Loch Lomond Inchmoan Single Malt 12 Years Old: Aged for 12 years and bottled at 46% ABV, this whisky provides a peaty and smoky experience, perfect for fans of Islay-style whiskies.
- Loch Lomond Inchmurrin Single Malt 12 Years Old: With a 46% ABV, this whisky exhibits a fruity and floral profile, displaying the use of unpeated barley in the distillation process.
Limited Editions
Loch Lomond Distillery occasionally releases limited edition whiskies that showcase remarkable characteristics or unique cask finishes. One recent example is the Remarkable Stills Series, which includes a 47-year-old single malt whisky made using 100% unpeated spirit distilled in their unique Straight Neck pot stills. These limited editions usually offer rare and exquisite flavour experiences for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Collaborations
Loch Lomond Distillery has been involved in various collaborations, partnering with other whisky producers, companies, or even sports teams. These collaborations often result in exclusive bottlings or limited edition releases that feature unique branding or innovative flavour profiles. Keep an eye out for these collaborations as they are released, as they can often be exciting and collectable whiskies.
Sustainability and Environmental Initiatives
Loch Lomond Distillery is committed to supporting local environmental sustainability initiatives. They focus on energy-saving, green travel, and waste reduction programmes, striving to reduce their ecological footprint. Challenging unsustainable activities is also a priority, with efforts made to prevent the wasteful use of water and other natural resources.
The Glen Luss Distillery, part of the Loch Lomond Group, is soon to be built on the shores of Scotland’s Loch Lomond, within the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. This new distillery showcases the group’s dedication to actively supporting sustainable development. The Glen Luss Distillery is set to provide a year-round, all-weather visitor experience for over a million tourists who visit the region annually.
In addition to these environmental efforts, the Glen Luss Distillery aims to create 26 full-time employment opportunities within the local community. The distillery also intends to recruit its workforce from within the Luss and Arden Parish, supporting local communities and offering modern apprenticeships to residents.
Environmental sustainability plays an important role in gin distilleries, and as part of the Loch Lomond Group, the Glen Luss Distillery will undoubtedly benefit from the established environmental practices of the Loch Lomond Distillery. Through sustainable development and thoughtful resource management, visitors to the Loch Lomond Distillery will enjoy an environmentally conscious experience.
Awards and Recognitions
Loch Lomond Distillery has been producing fine Scotch single malt whisky since 1965 and throughout the years, the distillery has received numerous awards and recognitions for its outstanding products. One of their most recent achievements was at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, where they received five awards across their portfolio, including a prestigious Platinum medal for their Loch Lomond 12-year-old whisky.
The distillery is also known for their unique approach to single malt production. They use unpeated, heavily peated, and medium-peated malts in their process, as well as four types of yeast, resulting in a wide range of flavour profiles. This innovative technique has garnered attention within the whisky industry and contributed to their growing reputation.
Some of the whiskies in their range include:
- Loch Lomond Single Malt 18 Years Old (46% ABV)
- Loch Lomond Single Malt 21 Years Old (46% ABV)
- Loch Lomond Single Malt 30 Years Old (47% ABV)
- Loch Lomond Single Grain Scotch Whisky (46% ABV)
- Loch Lomond Single Grain Peated Scotch Whisky (46% ABV)
- Loch Lomond Reserve – Premium Blended Scotch Whisky (40% ABV)
Visitors to the distillery can experience first-hand the world-class facilities and learn about the intricate process that goes into every bottle of Loch Lomond whisky. This combination of awards, recognitions, and innovation makes Loch Lomond a must-visit destination for whisky enthusiasts.