Lochlea Distillery has announced the release of Cask Strength Batch 3, the latest edition in its annual series of limited cask strength whiskies—and a bold new chapter for the independently owned, farm-to-cask Lowland distillery.
This year’s expression marks the first time Lochlea has incorporated ex-Islay peated casks into its cask strength series, paired with Oloroso sherry butts to create a distinctive new profile. It also represents a significant milestone for Master Blender Jill Boyd, who joined Lochlea in late 2024 and has curated this release from concept to bottle.
Batch 3 has been matured in a combination of Oloroso sherry and ex-Islay peated casks, delivering a unique mix of ripe red fruits, smoky bacon aromas, and dark molasses. The palate offers cherries, ginger cake, toasted rye, and BBQ smoke, while the finish lingers with baking spices, salty smoke, and floral notes of red roses, all grounded in Lochlea’s signature cereal-forward spirit.
Jill Boyd commented:
“Cask Strength Batch 3 is my first opportunity to leave a personal mark on our range. I wanted to push the boundaries with something bold and different, combining two much-loved flavour profiles—sherry and peat—in a way that feels fresh, but still true to Lochlea’s character. It’s complex, warming, and perfect for enjoying beside a summer BBQ.”
As with previous batches, Cask Strength Batch 3 is non-chill filtered and free of added colour, bottled at a robust 59.8% ABV. It follows the success of Batch 2 (a PX, Oloroso and STR cask combination) and the inaugural Batch 1 (a mix of first-fill bourbon and Oloroso casks), both of which showcased Lochlea’s house style at full strength.
Cask Strength Batch 3 will be available from 29 May 2025 via Lochlea’s official stockists. RRP: £67. For a full list of retailers, visit Lochlea Distillery stockists.
Tasting Notes – Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 3
Nose: Ripe red fruits, savoury BBQ smoke, smoky bacon
Palate: Cherries, ginger cake, dark sugar, rye, and charred wood smoke
Finish: Long, warming and layered with baking spice, salty smoke, red roses, and oak tannins
Core Range:
Lochlea’s Our Barley remains the distillery’s core unpeated single malt. Launched in 2022, it’s made entirely from home-grown barley and matured in a combination of first-fill bourbon, Oloroso, and STR casks. It has earned praise as a standout example of a young NAS Lowland whisky.
