As a whisky enthusiast, exploring Loch Lomond Steam and Fire is like embarking on a journey of discovery, where each sip unveils a new layer of intrigue and flavour. This whisky comes in with good stats. It has no age statement but is bottled at 46% abv, is naturally coloured and non-chill filtered. It is aged in a number of different American oak barrels and finished for 10 months in charred American oak made from their own award-winning cooperage. The thing is, what makes this whisky intriguing is not the barrels or the stats but the spirit itself.
The spirit that they use here is truly remarkable, with a blend of traditional swan neck and unconventional giraffe neck stills that creates a whisky unlike any other. The swan neck stills, with their graceful curves, bring a sense of tradition, the taste of what scotch ought to be. While the towering giraffe neck stills give us a unique interaction between vapor and liquid that can only be found in this distillery. It's within this intricate dance between tradition and innovation that Loch Lomond Steam and Fire finds its essence, a delicate balance that speaks to the craftsmanship and dedication that they have.
As I raise the glass to my nose, the aromas of raw cane sugar and stewed pears envelop me, offering a tantalizing preview of the sensory journey ahead. On the palate, I'm greeted by delightful nuances of candy floss and zesty orange citrus, reminiscent of childhood delights and summer afternoons eating orange ice lollies. The finish is where the whisky truly shines, with subtle smokiness echoing from the charred barrels, leaving a lingering impression of depth and complexity.
There are some drawbacks though. The youthfulness of the whisky is apparent with some initial alcohol burn and at first sip it does not leave the bold first impression that other whiskies may. However, what it lacks in terms of time in the barrel it makes up with good solid spirit. As I drank the whisky more I started enjoying the subtle complexity that this unique spirit brings. I found that I was reaching for it on the shelf more as time passes. It is especially desirable at braai time. The light zesty flavour is the perfect accompaniment to a sizzling pork chop over some good coals on a lovely Saturday Afternoon. It is a brilliant marriage of Highland spirit and South African bushveld. A whisky I would highly recommend!
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