Lochlea distillery

Introduction to Lochlea

A distillery with passion for craft

Lochlea is a Scottish distillery nestled in the heart of Ayrshire, combining traditional whisky-making craftsmanship with innovative approaches to create spirits that truly represent their terroir. This independent, family-owned farm distillery has quickly established itself as a noteworthy addition to the Scotch whisky landscape, creating drams that speak of their agricultural roots and historic surroundings.

Located on the former home and farm of Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns, Lochlea brings together farming heritage and whisky expertise in a way few distilleries can match.

Why we have a soft spot for Lochlea

At Vault of Spirits, we treasure distilleries that maintain a deep connection to their land and raw materials. Lochlea stands out by controlling their whisky production from field to bottle – growing their own barley on the same soil where Robert Burns once worked as a farmer.

Their commitment to quality, provenance, and independence creates whiskies with distinct character and integrity – values we celebrate in our carefully curated selection.

The Story Behind Lochlea

Origin and development

While Lochlea Farm has a history stretching back centuries, the distillery itself is relatively young, having been established in 2017 with production beginning in 2018. The project was led by Neil McGeoch, who purchased the farm in 2006 and developed the vision of creating a genuine farm-to-bottle single malt whisky.

After several years of careful planning and construction, Lochlea began distilling with a commitment to authenticity and quality. Their first whisky was released in 2022, marking a significant milestone for this new but historically-rooted distillery.

The people behind

The distillery is powered by a team of experienced industry professionals, with former Laphroaig Distillery Manager John Campbell joining as Production Director and Master Blender in 2021. His expertise, combined with the agricultural knowledge of the farm team, creates a perfect blend of whisky craft and farming tradition.

This collaboration ensures that each step of the process – from planting barley to bottling spirit – is executed with precision and passion.

The Craft and Production

From raw materials to finished product

Production at Lochlea begins in their own fields, where they grow barley that will eventually become their whisky. This farm-to-bottle approach gives them exceptional control over their raw materials and connects their spirit directly to the land.

The distillery utilizes both pot stills and shell and tube condensers, carefully designed to produce a fruity, complex new make spirit. Their fermentation times are relatively long, helping to develop the rich, fruity character that has become a signature of their whisky.

Maturation and aging

Lochlea’s spirit rests primarily in first-fill bourbon casks and Oloroso sherry butts, though they’ve also experimented with other cask types including Port pipes. Their warehouse, situated right on the farm, allows the whisky to mature in the same microclimate where the barley grew.

This connection between maturation environment and agricultural origins helps create a whisky that truly represents its place of birth – a genuine expression of Ayrshire terroir.

Selected Products from Lochlea

Lochlea Our Barley – An introduction to the house style

This core expression showcases what Lochlea is all about – a celebration of their own farm-grown barley. With notes of orchard fruits, vanilla custard, and malted biscuits, it offers a creamy mouthfeel and a delightfully balanced character that makes it accessible to newcomers while providing enough complexity for seasoned whisky enthusiasts.

The gentle sweetness and subtle fruitiness found in Our Barley exemplify the distillery’s distinctive style.

Lochlea Sowing Edition – A seasonal experience

Part of their seasonal release program, the Sowing Edition offers a more nuanced expression that changes annually. Expect honey-forward notes with dried fruits, warm baking spices, and a rich, velvety texture that develops beautifully with time in the glass.

Each seasonal release provides a window into different aspects of the agricultural calendar that defines life at Lochlea Farm.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

Lochlea offers immersive distillery tours that connect visitors with both the whisky-making process and the agricultural heritage of the farm. Walking through the barley fields before entering the production area creates a unique experience that emphasizes the farm-to-bottle philosophy.

Tastings typically include several expressions that demonstrate the distillery’s evolving character, providing insight into how this young producer is developing its distinctive voice in the whisky world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lochlea?

Lochlea is an independent farm distillery in Ayrshire, Scotland, that produces single malt whisky with a focus on provenance, quality, and agricultural connections. Their approach combines traditional Scottish whisky-making with a contemporary emphasis on traceability and sustainability, creating spirits that genuinely reflect their farming heritage.

Where is Lochlea located?

The distillery is located on Lochlea Farm near Tarbolton in Ayrshire, Scotland. This is historically significant as the same farm where Robert Burns lived and worked as a farmer from 1777 to 1784, during his formative years as a poet.

What characterizes Lochlea whisky?

Lochlea whisky is characterized by its fruity, malty profile with notes of orchard fruits, honey, and vanilla. The distillery’s farm-to-bottle approach, with barley grown on their own land, gives their whisky a genuine sense of place. Their commitment to quality over quantity results in carefully crafted small batches that showcase the agricultural heritage of their location.

Where can I buy whisky from Lochlea?

You can find selected bottles from Lochlea at Vault of Spirits. We carefully select the best expressions – both core releases and limited editions – to ensure you have access to the finest representations of this exciting farm distillery’s work.