Lochlea Distillery in Ayrshire is set to release its final seasonal limited-edition whisky, Ploughing Edition (Third Crop), marking the conclusion of a three-year series that began with the First Crop series in 2023. This final edition represents the distillery’s smokiest whisky to date, matured exclusively in 100% ex-Islay 200-litre casks.
Released during the winter months when the farm’s fields are ploughed in preparation for spring sowing, Ploughing Edition (Third Crop) combines the distillery’s signature fruit and cereal-forward profile with a distinctive peated character. The additional year of maturation compared to the previous Second Crop has resulted in a richer, smokier expression featuring flavours of green apple, toffee, and malted biscuits, accompanied by a mouthwatering smoky finish.
Since launching its seasonal series, Lochlea has gained attention for its innovative approach to whisky-making, particularly its dedication to showcasing the influence of the farming calendar and cask maturation on spirit style. The series also emphasizes the distillery’s farm-to-cask philosophy, where all barley used in production is grown on-site.
Master Blender Jill Boyd, who joined Lochlea’s team in late 2024, commented on the release, expressing pride in the journey the seasonal range has taken over the years. She noted how the series allowed the distillery to tell its story with authenticity and passion, demonstrating how whisky profiles can evolve according to the seasons and the distillery’s creative goals.
Boyd added, “We hope whisky lovers have enjoyed joining us on the journey with the seasonal releases and will seek out this final release before it all disappears! We look forward to sharing more exciting innovations in the near future that tells another part of our Lochlea story.”
The Lochlea Seasonal Series:
- Ploughing Edition: Released in winter, inspired by ploughing fields in preparation for spring.
- Sowing Edition: Celebrating spring’s planting of the year’s barley crop.
- Harvest Edition: Reflecting the annual harvest season.
- Fallow Edition: Representing autumn, when fields rest after a busy harvest.
Availability & Pricing:
Ploughing Edition (Third Crop) is bottled at 46% ABV, non-chill filtered, and free of added colouring. Priced at £51.50, it will be available from Lochlea stockists starting 27th March 2025.
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Fresh green apple, sweet toffee, and comforting Lochlea cereal notes.
- Palate: A blend of fresh fruit, savoury smoke, and malted biscuits.
- Finish: Coastal hints of sea salt with a lingering touch of peat.
