Inside Loch Lomond, Scotland’s Award-Winning Distillery That Blends Tradition with Bold Innovation

The fruit-forward Loch Lomond 12 Year Old delivers crisp orchard fruit notes, paired with sweet meringue and gentle smoke. (Photos: Loch Lomond)

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In the shadow of the Ben Lomond mountain, one of Scotland’s most distinctive distilleries continues to redefine what Highland single malt can be. Loch Lomond, established in 1814 and named 2024 Scotch Whisky Distillery of the Year at the International Wine & Spirit Competition, is making waves in the U.S. with a signature style that balances fruit, honey and soft smoke — all created through an unusually innovative production process.

Named the fastest-growing single malt in the world in 2023, Loch Lomond has earned its reputation by doing things differently. From unique still designs to an obsession with fermentation and flavor-driven distillation, Loch Lomond produces a wide range of styles under one roof — all unmistakably Highland, but with a twist.

A Distinctive Approach to Flavor

What sets Loch Lomond apart begins with its extra-long fermentation — a minimum of 92 hours, allowing for a secondary fermentation that builds intense fruity esters. From there, distillers use an innovative straight-neck still alongside a more traditional swan neck still. The combination allows for a triple-distilled spirit from just two stills.

After distillation, almost all Loch Lomond whiskies are aged in American ex-bourbon oak casks, which impart notes of vanilla and honeyed sweetness while preserving the fruit-forward character of the distillate. Finally, Master Blender Michael Henry adeptly marries peated and non-peated spirits to dial in just the right level of Loch Lomond’s signature soft smoke.

Spotlight: Loch Lomond 12 Year Old

If you’re looking for a single malt that captures the house style in full, look no further than Loch Lomond 12 Year Old. Bottled at 46% ABV and non-chill filtered, this expression is matured in three types of American Oak: bourbon, refill and re-charred. The result is a perfectly balanced whisky that’s as versatile as it is distinctive.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Crisp green apple, ripe pear and lemon with subtle golden cereal

Palate: Orchard fruits, lemon meringue, pear, vanilla and biscuit sweetness

Finish: Medium length with soft wood smoke and a zesty tang

With elegant fruit notes and just a hint of peat, Loch Lomond 12 Year Old is the perfect gateway to a Highland distillery that honors tradition while pushing flavor boundaries in bold new directions.

A Whisky for Golf and Gathering

Since 2018, Loch Lomond has served as the official spirit of The Open Golf Championship and the AIG Women’s Open, underscoring its place on the global stage. Whether you’re a golf fan, a whisky collector or simply curious about Scotland’s most dynamic distillery, Loch Lomond offers a range of expressions — from the approachable Loch Lomond Original to the rich depth of the 18 Year Old — that are well worth exploring.

Learn more at www.lochlomondwhiskies.com.