The Loch Lomond Group, an independent distiller and blender of some of the finest and rarest scotch whiskies, is set to unveil its world-class portfolio in the United States this month. Fourteen of its bottlings will initially be available, each a fine example of its region and style. This universe of expressions is unique in its ambitious scope, bringing refreshing new tasting notes to discerning American palettes while also providing great variety and versatility to satisfy curious new explorers of the spirit of Scotland.
The crown jewels of this include Loch Lomond Reserve and Signature Blends, Loch Lomond Original Single Malt, Loch Lomond 12 and 18 Year Old Single Malts, Loch Lomond Single Grain, Glen Scotia Double Cask, Glen Scotia 15 Year Old, Glen Scotia Victoriana, Inchmurrin 12 Year Old, Inchmurrin 18 Year Old, Inchmurrin Madeira Wood Finish and High Commissioner Blended Scotch Whisky. The rare expression of Littlemill 25 Year Old Single Malt, the last of limited and precious stocks from a now silent Lowland distillery, will also be available. As an independent bottler and distiller with over 250 years of distilling heritage, the company currently owns the Loch Lomond malt and grain distillery in the iconic Loch Lomond in the Highlands, and the Glen Scotia distillery in Campbeltown — one of 5 recognized regions of Scotch whiskey-making. Their distillery boasts a pair of standard pot stills, as well as 3 pairs of unique pot stills with rectifying heads together with a continuous still which is used exclusively with malted barley, allowing a single distillery to produce 11 malt styles.
Founded in 1832, The Glen Scotia Distillery is one of only 3 distilleries producing in this area making Glen Scotia one of the few Campbeltown whiskies available in the U.S.. Over centuries, the previous owners of this group of distilleries chose to focus their global success outside of the United States,” says CEO Colin Mathews. “Importing these award-winning whiskies to America just wasn’t a part of their plan, but we recognize, and think that the U.S. should be a top priority. Accordingly, I’ve enlisted an elite team of industry talent and we’re all very excited to introduce this sleeping giant to the thriving American Scotch market,” he continues. In addition to the six expression range of single grain, single malt and blended malt whiskies, the Inchmurrin range of three distinctive whiskies, named after the grassy isle and the largest of Loch Lomond’s islands, are also produced at this historic site.
With a style unique to Campbeltown, often referred to as the “Victorian Whisky Capital of the World,” Glen Scotia distils both lightly peated and more heavily peated malt. Since its purchase by the Loch Lomond Group, Glen Scotia Distillery has enjoyed significant investment to increase production, warehousing the creation of a stunning new shop and tasting room. This means that an extended range of Campbeltown whiskies now available can be discovered by a new generation. The Littlemill distillery was rumored to be Scotland’s oldest with a long and fascinating history dating back to 1772. The distillery was destroyed by fire in 2004, never to produce a drop again. Happily, the spirit and time honored tradition lives on through the brand’s sought-after bottlings. Rare amongst Lowland malts in using a Highland water source, as well as peat from Stornoway and Perthshire, Littlemill is known for a subtly floral, vanilla-rich sweetness. A sip of this fine whisky is more than just a memorable pleasure, it is a singular and momentous experience.
The Loch Lomond Whisky Portfolio is now available through Illinois-based A. Hardy U.S.A. with S.R.P.s ranging from $25 to $3,000.
