Random Tandems #4: Loch Lomond & Miltonduff pair up

Earlier this year [2018], Loch Lomond signed a five year deal to become the main sponsors for the Scottish Open Golf Championship. Expect them to make it worth their while.

 

 

Loch Lomond The Open Special Edition [2018] Ob. 46% WB73.50[2]

This NAS ‘Open’ release is a hybrid-styled whisky utilising Loch Lomond’s unique & favoured Chardonnay yeast & four different distillate types. Containing whisky aged between 8-12yo, though no age is stated, it’s around 11 years of age in the main. Fair play!

• N/T/F: A somewhat overwhelming dram for my first of the day. There’s lots here including direct PX and the Chardonnay yeastiness. Whilst other general notes speak of fruity/malty/squidgy fudge and soft oak, it’s distillate driven.
• C: I can imagine this having wide appeal.

Scores 82 points

 

Loch Lomond 1999/[2018] 18yo Ob. The Open – The Autograph Edition: Paul Lawrie 50.8% WB0

For each of their five [Golf Open] sponsorship years, Loch Lomond’s master blender Michael Henry will be collaborating with a golfer for unique annual releases. This first Autograph Edition is a collaborative effort between Henry & golfer Paul Lawrie.

• N: That’s the ticket, 18 years of maturation providing all sorts of oiliness as well as a distinct Irishness. Some peat too?
• T: With a firm and deliberate direction, this is a decently aged straight-talker.
• F: Long and true. More indications of some peat, or charring perhaps.
• C: Mannochmore meets Caol Ila? Perhaps not a beginners malt but a fine start for the Autograph series. 

Scores 86 points

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• Officially established in 1824, the Miltonduff distillery is currently owned by Chivas Brothers [Pernod Ricard].
• Miltonduff currently produces 5.9 mlpa, virtually all of which goes to form the heart of Ballantine’s blended Scotch.
• Mosstowie refers to spirit [& subsequent whisky], that was produced at Miltonduff in a pair of Lomond stills that operated between 1964 & 1981.
• With rare exceptions, single malt expressions of Miltonduff are to be found with the independent bottlers.

 

Miltonduff 1995 23yo HL OMC #15138 50%

Seldom do we see the big boys offering anything with this kind of provenance at their shiny stands. Trust the independents to be treating us.

• N: Wonderfully aged action.
• T: Floral and woody, in a good way.
• F: Unfortunately turns slightly funny, into waxy hairspray no less.
• C: Good stuff, but then that finish.

[Scores 86 for the good bits].

 

Miltonduff 1981/2018 36yo Adelphi cask #5069 [138 bts] 51.8% WB0

Like BBR, Adelphi’s Half-time Orange was nothing short of spectacular – on paper at the very least.

• N: Malty oils, sweet fungal, Shreddies and honeyed bung cloth.
• T: Arrives as expected with a sweet>sour movement. There’s more honey, a touch more fungal and some sour lemon.
• F: True.
• C: Nothing less than ideal, a classic perfectly aged malt I could spend hours with. My favourite at the Fringe.

Scores 92 points

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