The Heart Cut has announced its 17th release: a single cask whisky from Lochlea Distillery in Ayrshire, matured in an ex-Islay hogshead and bottled at 54% ABV. Just 410 bottles of this cask-born smoky Lowland single malt will be available from July 1st.
Distilled in 2019, the whisky comes from Lochlea’s estate-grown Laureate barley – a tropical-leaning spirit known for its citrus and orchard fruit character. This cask’s smoke, however, comes entirely from the refill Islay barrel it matured in, offering a softer, buttery smoke that complements rather than overwhelms. A nod to the cask’s original contents is hidden in a what3words clue: courage.scrub.cookers.
Georgie Bell, co-founder of The Heart Cut, explains the focus of this bottling:
“Smoke isn’t only born in the kiln. With this cask we can show drinkers how an ex-Islay barrel creates a gentler, sweeter haze—think smoked Maldon salt sprinkled over baked apples and vanilla cream.”
Lochlea’s Commercial Director, David Ferguson, highlights the rarity of such collaborations:
“Due to our limited production and long-term cask plan, we work with very few independent bottlers. But The Heart Cut’s approach and reputation made this an easy decision.”
Newly appointed Master Blender Jill Boyd selected the cask from Lochlea’s dunnage warehouse. The whisky is described as “a summer night’s bonfire, wrapped in shortbread sweetness,” with notes of barbecued pineapple, buttery apples, creamy hazelnuts, and birchwood smoke, finishing with hints of sherbet, orange peel, and sea salt.
The Heart Cut has gained recognition for its storytelling-led releases, including awards as Independent Bottler of the Year in both 2024 and 2025 at the Global Icons of Whisky.
The Heart Cut #17 Lochlea is available from July 1, exclusively via theheartcut.com.
