Loch Lomond has revealed a new 31-year-old Scotch whisky inspired by its iconic location on the shores of its namesake waterway.
The release caught our attention earlier this week for two reasons. Firstly, this is the oldest peated malt ever released by the Highland distillery. Secondly, it comes to market already boasting a double gold medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Loch Lomond only produces a small amount of peated spirit every year, and most of that is at a low level between 25 and 50 parts per million (ppm). This whisky is on the heavier end, so the smokiness remains prominent even after 31 years in cask.
It spent 30 of those years in ex-bourbon casks before a 12-month finish in Tawny port pipes. We generally like a long ex-bourbon maturation here at The World of Fine Spirits, because it allows the distillery character to develop and shine without being overpowered by heavy flavors. Port pipes are an assertive finishing cask, but 12 months isn’t long enough to undo all that good work.
So what does it taste like? I have a sample with me now, provided by the distillery. It’s a luscious-looking liquid. It has a creamy viscosity that clings to the glass, a rich, dark amber color. It has a complex nose filled with honey, butterscotch, vanilla, sweet smoke, and dark fruits.
You get more of the same on the palate, and it’s that consistency across both smell and taste that tends to score well in blind judging. The smoke is definitely there, but it does not overpower at any point. Behind it, you find that same sweetness of vanilla and honey, but etched with a sprinkling of dark chocolate and fragrant oak. Give it a bit more time in the glass, and the peat comes forward, carrying right through for a dry, bonfire-smoke finish.
With that, you can see where the double gold medal comes from, but it’ll cost you. The Waypoint 31 Year Old is £750 ($1,000) and limited to 2,600 globally. Part of that cost is due to the box, a handcrafted wooden case featuring an internal copper tube and artwork by illustrator Brett Breckon. It’s a very nice box if that’s your thing. But if you’re buying to drink, as I recommend you do, then where does the box go?
Loch Lomond Waypoint 31 Year Old is non-chill-filtered, natural in color, and bottled at 44.1% ABV. Visit lochlomondwhiskies.com
