Lochside 17 Year Old 1991 Reserve

Lochside did not really have a long life. It was founded in 1957 in the old buildings of the Deuchars & Sons brewery that was active there since 1781. Initially the distillery was founded purely to create grain whisky, but after four years – in 1961 – the owners realized they could make more money with malt whisky. However, the distillery closed again in 1992 and the old buildings were demolished in 2005 to make room for modern apartments. I’m trying a release from Gordon & Macphail – a bottling for the Dutch guru The Whisky Talker – a single cask from 1991.

The nose is very grassy and floral. Makes we feel like walking through some Campine fields. Then some floral honey, apples and lime juicy. A bit playful, but not really impressive. Maybe my expectations were too high?

The lime evolves towards grapefruit on the palate, while the honey retreats to make room for pretty bitter tannins and green herbs. Mildly drying and a touch astringent.

The finish is fairly long on white fruit and some woodsmoke.

Not bad, but does not even come close to all those legendary Lochside releases. A lesser god.

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