Ballindallochlea

Back at home after some days in Tuscany for a weeding. No whisky, but plenty of wine (from the Palagetto vineyard where the wedding was held). On the wedding night, some very boozy drinks. So tonight I’ll have the first drops of whisky in over a week. And why not get back into it with some newbie distilleries – Ballindalloch and Lochlea. The former I haven’t reviewed before, apparently (though haven’t I tried it?), and the other I reviewed as #149.

Ballindalloch (Speyside) started production in 2014, and Lochlea (Lowlands) in 2018. Something they have in common is being “single estate” distilleries, growing their own barley.

Ballindaloch • 2015/2024 • 49.5%

Scotch Single Malt • 80% bourbon and 20% sherry • Natural Colour & Unchillfiltered • €95 • WB🔗

Tasting notes from a 5cl sample bottle

Nosing

Young and spritely. Lots of banana, both fruit and green peel, some grass, and bourbon cask notes of vanilla ice cream, coconut flakes. With just a little time, the sherry casks protrude more. Lingonberry jam, wet wood.

Deliciousness
Fun factor

Sipping

Sweetish, with some counterbalancing bitterness and salt. Fried pastry dough, grass, wine gums, cocoa, and a subtle smoky undertone.

Deliciousness
Fun factor

Comments

It’s a tasty, very drinkable dram. There’s something a little unfresh coming from the sherry casks perhaps holding the dram back. But I see a lot of potential here; could become a favourite in the long term.

Lochlea • 6yo (2018) • 50%

Scotch Single Malt • 6 bourbon and sherry casks • Natural Colour & Unchillfiltered • €100+ • WB🔗

Tasting notes from a 5cl sample bottle

Nosing

Malty, savoury, and sherry notes, all bound together really well. Ginger bread, grape juice, red apple purée, glazed duck, wet wool, metal shavings.

Deliciousness
Fun factor

Sipping

Very balanced between dry and sweet. Roasted coffee, toasted nuts, hoisin sauce, dried fruits, ginger, hickory smoke, mentholic finish.

Deliciousness
Fun factor

Comments

Unexpectedly good. It’s youthful and intense, but at the same time superbly balanced. Would buy at €60.

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