Lochlea - Dark Briar

The independent farm distillery Lochlea presents a cask-strength new release made from 100 percent of its own barley – and a premiere from its flavor library.

In this year's Lochlea Cask Strength Batch #3, luscious Oloroso sherry meets distinctive Islay peat. This combination, a first for the Lowland distillery, also marks a significant milestone for Jill Boyd, Lochlea's Master Blender, who joined the team in late 2024 and oversaw the selection and blending of Cask Strength Batch #3 from start to finish.

The result is a single malt that, at 59.8% ABV, combines richness and depth with a surprising smoky note. A multifaceted bouquet of ripe red fruits and spicy BBQ smoke is followed by full-bodied notes of cherries and dark molasses, underscored by warming ginger cake, toasted rye, and wood smoke. The long, multi-layered finish lingers with baking spices, salty smoke, and oak tannins, which mingle with delicate floral notes of red roses, creating a bold reinterpretation of the signature Lochlea style.