Lochlea Breaks New Ground with Peated Sherry Cask Strength Whisky

Lochlea Distillery has set the stage for a bold new chapter with the release of its third cask strength expression — a powerful, smoky single malt that fuses rich oloroso Sherry notes with Islay peat. Crafted under the careful eye of newly appointed blender Jill Boyd, this release is a confident statement of evolution and innovation from the young Ayrshire distillery.

Lochlea Cask Strength Batch Three

Batch Three of Lochlea’s Cask Strength series marks the distillery’s first exploration into peat, paired with the deep sweetness of Sherry casks. It’s a distinctive take on modern Scottish whisky that still stays true to the distillery’s identity.

Product Name: Lochlea Cask Strength Batch Three
Brand: Lochlea Distillery
Category: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Country: Scotland
Region: Ayrshire (Lowlands)
Distillery: Lochlea
Age: NAS (No Age Statement)
Style: Cask Strength, Peated, Sherry Cask Matured
Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 59.8%
Launch Date: 29 May 2025
Price: £67 (approx. US$91)
Range: Cask Strength Annual Series
Availability: Select retailers worldwide

Tasting Notes

Lochlea’s peated debut offers a bold sensory journey with sweet smoke and spice at its core.

Appearance/Color: Deep amber
Nose/Aroma: Ripe red fruits, gentle barbecue smoke
Palate/Flavour: Cherries, dark molasses, ginger cake, toasted rye bread, charred wood smoke
Finish: Warming and smoky with lingering spice

Key Highlights

This whisky redefines Lochlea’s core style by introducing peat into the mix — a first for the distillery and its new blender.

Features & Benefits:

First peated release from Lochlea
Matured in a blend of oloroso Sherry butts and ex-Islay peated casks
Curated entirely by master blender Jill Boyd from concept to bottle
High-proof, non-chill filtered release
Balances sweet, spicy, and smoky profiles in one dram

USPs:

Brings together two fan-favorite whisky styles: Sherry and peat
A bold evolution in the brand’s house style
Affordable price for a cask strength small-batch release

Experts’ View:
Jill Boyd expressed pride in the expression, stating, “It’s complex, it’s warming, and it’s got a smoky twist.” Early buzz from whisky enthusiasts praises the balance of smoke and sweetness, calling it a “barbecue dram” perfect for warm-weather sipping. It’s a release that pushes Lochlea’s profile into fresh, exciting territory.