Loch Lomond Original

Loch Lomond is a Highland distillery, built in 1965 as a joint venture between Duncan Thomas and Barton Brands of America, that produces both malt and grain whiskies. It is currently owned by Glen Catrine Bonded Warehouse Ltd. (whoever the hell they are). Their entry level single malt carries no age statement and is double matured (I'm guessing mainly in bourbon casks with some finishing in Madeira casks).

The colour is a burnished gold. On the nose, candied almonds, pralines, barley sugar and the slightest hint of peat. A little bit of dark honey - also slightly perfumey. Nothing too exciting going on here, but water gives it a little more depth.

On the palate, quite young and lively, and rather sweet: candy cane, buttered toast and butterscotch. As with the nose, water contributes more depth and body. Not terribly complex.

The finish is a little hot, with some raisins and a bit of smoke. The sherry cask influence seems to be more apparent here. This is an extremely light, sweet, young malt. Certainly not terrible, by any means, but not really to my taste.