Loch Lomond distillery

Introduction to Loch Lomond

A distillery with a passion for craft

Loch Lomond is a Scottish distillery nestled on the shores of its namesake, Scotland’s largest loch, combining traditional craftsmanship with innovative distillation techniques. The distillery stands apart in the crowded Scotch whisky landscape by maintaining complete control over every aspect of production – from grain to glass.

Located at the southern end of Loch Lomond in the Highland region, this distillery bridges the gap between Highland and Lowland styles, creating whiskies with remarkable versatility and character.

Why we have a soft spot for Loch Lomond

At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate distilleries that dare to challenge conventions, and Loch Lomond does exactly that. Their unique straight-necked pot stills with rectifying plates offer unprecedented control over spirit character.

What truly sets them apart is their ability to produce an incredible range of whisky styles under one roof – from light, fruity spirits to heavily peated expressions – making them one of Scotland’s most versatile distilleries.

The history behind Loch Lomond

Origin and development

Loch Lomond Distillery was established in 1964 in Alexandria, near the banks of Loch Lomond. However, the site’s whisky-making heritage dates back much further, with records showing an earlier distillery operating in the area as far back as 1814.

After changing hands several times throughout its history, the distillery found stability under new ownership in 2014, which brought significant investment and a renewed focus on quality and innovation.

This renaissance has transformed Loch Lomond from a relatively unknown producer mainly creating whisky for blends into a celebrated single malt distillery with an expanding international reputation.

The people behind

Under the guidance of Master Blender Michael Henry, Loch Lomond has flourished. Henry’s expertise and vision have been instrumental in developing the distillery’s diverse portfolio.

The team’s commitment to craftsmanship is evident in every decision – from barley selection to cask management – resulting in whiskies that showcase both technical mastery and creative passion.

The craft and production

From raw material to finished product

Loch Lomond’s production setup is truly unique in the Scotch whisky industry. The distillery employs both traditional swan-neck pot stills and their signature straight-neck stills with adjustable copper plates.

These innovative stills allow for precise control over reflux during distillation, enabling the production of spirits with varying levels of lightness or heaviness from the same equipment.

Unlike many Scottish distilleries, Loch Lomond maintains its own cooperage and on-site grain distillation, giving them unparalleled control over every step of the whisky-making process.

Maturation and aging

The diverse spirit styles produced at Loch Lomond find their homes in carefully selected casks, including ex-bourbon barrels, refill casks, and a variety of wine and fortified wine casks.

This considered approach to maturation enhances the inherent character of each distillate rather than masking it, resulting in whiskies that speak clearly of their origin while developing complexity through time.

The maritime climate around Loch Lomond provides ideal conditions for maturation, with the proximity to water creating a consistent environment that allows for steady development of flavor.

Selected products from Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond Original – An introduction to the house style

This approachable single malt serves as an excellent entry point to the distillery’s portfolio. Notes of green apple, pear, and gentle vanilla are complemented by a hint of toasted oak and a clean, refreshing finish.

The balanced character and silky mouthfeel make this a versatile dram that showcases the distillery’s signature fruit-forward profile without overwhelming the palate.

Loch Lomond 18 Year Old – An experience for connoisseurs

For those seeking greater depth and complexity, the 18 Year Old offers a more mature expression of the distillery’s craft. Expect rich honey, tropical fruit, and toasted spice notes wrapped in a velvety texture with subtle hints of smoke.

The extended maturation period allows for the development of sophisticated tertiary flavors while maintaining the distillery’s characteristic fruitiness – a testament to expert cask management and patient aging.

Visit the distillery

Tours and tastings

Loch Lomond Distillery offers visitors a chance to experience first-hand their unique production methods. Tours typically include access to their distinctive still house, where you can observe both traditional and innovative distillation equipment in action.

The tasting experience often includes a range of expressions that demonstrate the remarkable diversity of styles produced at the distillery – from unpeated offerings to heavily peated Inchmurrin and Inchmoan variations.

Frequently asked questions

What is Loch Lomond?

Loch Lomond is a Scottish whisky distillery that produces a remarkable variety of single malt and grain whiskies under one roof. Their innovative approach combines traditional Scottish whisky-making with technical innovation, allowing them to create multiple whisky styles with distinctive flavor profiles.

Where is Loch Lomond located?

The distillery is located in Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire, at the southern end of Loch Lomond – Scotland’s largest freshwater loch. This position places it geographically between the Highland and Lowland whisky regions, influencing its versatile style.

What characterizes Loch Lomond?

Loch Lomond is distinguished by its unique straight-necked pot stills with rectifying plates, which allow for unprecedented control over the distillation process. The distillery is also known for producing a wide range of whisky styles, from unpeated to heavily peated expressions, and for maintaining control over the entire production process from malting to bottling.

Where can I buy whisky from Loch Lomond?

You can find carefully selected bottles from Loch Lomond at Vault of Spirits. We hand-pick the most exceptional expressions from their range – including both core releases and limited editions – ensuring you have access to the finest representations of this innovative distillery’s craft.