This Loch Lomond 2001 is an exclusive single cask specially bottled for The Whisky Shop by Loch Lomond distillery. It spent 16 years in French Limousin oak.
Loch Lomond 16 yo 2001 (56,5%, OB for The Whisky Shop 2017, Limousin oak cask #16/329-2, 384 btl.)
Loch Lomond 16 yo 2001 (56,5%, OB for The Whisky Shop 2017, Limousin oak cask #16/329-2, 384 btl.)Nose: starts on green apples, quickly joined by a gristy, peaty side and some oats. Hints of dough, mint and fragrant oak shavings. Soft vanilla. Light musty notes in the background. Reminds me more of the old production than of their reworked Loch Lomond 12 for instance.
Mouth: plenty of apples again, pear too, brown sugar, now with a medicinal undertone and lots of sweet mint. Then sweet spices (vanilla, cinnamon pastry, candied ginger).
Finish: medium, sweet and minty, with some toasted bread.
Some interesting twists in this Loch Lomond, like the fragrant (but well-dosed) Limousin oak, the gentle peat and the sweet minty notes. Maybe not 100% harmonious but a nice one to try. Around € 100, available from The Whisky Shop.
Score: 82/100