Round 2 of 3 then. For Round 1 look at the previous article on the Orchard Outburst.

The Hazelnut one looks at the influence that toasting casks does to the finished whisky. Where we dialled down wood influence in the first round, here we are dialling it up to show how toasting and charring the inside of oak barrels creates new flavours . The caramelising of the wood sugars alongside of course the from the previous contents of the barrels themselves.

To get more dedicated information on how barrels are built and prepared before maturing whisky in Scotland looking inside a Cooperage would be a good option.

If are in Scotland and do want to see what goes on inside a Cooperage you have two options. The first is a tour of Tullibardine distillery which has a very small modern cooperage which is more like a workshop. The second and perhaps between option is to visit Speyside cooperage which is a large scale operation which a visitor centre and regular tours. I’ve not been myself but it’s on the list to visit soon.

Vital Signs

Natural Colour	Yes
Chill Filtering	No
ABV	46%
Price	Under £40
Currently Available	Yes
Affiliate Link	https://amzn.to/3I42iK4

Nose – toasted oaks and carmelised sugars to the point of almost dark and burnt which then develops into a peppery and slightly spiced note. The spirit still feels young like the orchard fruits one but its got a darker fired tone

Palate – This is immediately recognisable as containing some Loch Lomond whisky. That slightly chemically vanilla note I would recognise anywhere. Cheap honey on slightly buttered toast would be the general vision here. Maybe not in the marketing department but certainly in my head

Finish – No young whisky will last a lifetime metaphorically or otherwise and this is no different. I do have a blindspot when it comes to the various Loch Lomond styles so at least when you swallow they do go away. Salty again but also honey and ice-cream

Final Thoughts

This is just a personal preference one if you like Loch Lomond as a single malt the high content of that here will be enjoyable for you. If like me you aren’t a big fan it’s perhaps one to miss.