Lochindaal 2010 Scotch Review

By Alex Southgate

Rating: B+

Lochindaal 2020 Single Malt
(Credit: Berry Bros. & Rudd)

I am sure this is going to wrinkle a few noses out there, but as a rule I’m not a big fan of very smoky whiskies. I love a good Scotch just like the rest, but the heavy peaty aroma that comes with many expressions is something I find a bit off-putting. This being said, I’ve never been someone unwilling to try something new so I went into today’s tasting with an open mind. I have to say, in this case, I was pleasantly surprised.

To give you a bit of background on today’s tipple, Lochindaal was a distillery located in Port Charlotte, on Islay. It is now defunct, and usually when you see a whisky bearing the Lochindaal name, it is a Bruichladdich being done as a negociant‘s bottling. Lochindaal 2010 is from Berry Brothers & Rudd. This expression is a heavily peated Scottish malt that was aged in a first-fill bourbon barrel. As you will come to see shortly, this is a whiskey that doesn’t mess around when it comes to scent or flavor. It’s a small run of 238 bottles and comes in at a cask strength of 59.8%.

The Scotch
Lochindall 2010 is a lighter whisky that’s easy on the pour, only leaving faint legs. It’s a soft amber hue in the glass and very inviting to the eye. The aromas hit you from the bottle and the scent only becomes stronger on the pour.

This malt is smoky from the moment it hits the glass. I had to let it sit for a second to give my senses a chance to clear because all I could smell initially was peat, to the point of it being slightly overpowering. It has to be said though, that when you get beyond that there’s a lot going on to the nose.

Lochindall 2010 is a very dry smelling Scotch. The front end brings notes of  burning sandalwood, apple and orange zest. This lifts leaving a heavy hit of spice, with notes of cinnamon and clove. We are left with a raisin sweetness and the inviting scent of baked wheat.

This is a whisky that will put hairs on your chest, and certainly hits hard on the first sip. Once the initial alcoholic charge has cleared your palate is hit with a pleasant but unexpected fizzy sensation. This carbonation is paired with sea salt and the heat of roasting chili. This is accompanied by notes of burning embers and more tones of dry spice. The finish is tropical with notes of grapefruit and the unmistakable citrus punch of lemon.

As I mentioned earlier I’m not a fan of peaty Scotches. This being said, I was very pleasantly surprised by this one. This is the sort of thing that on a cold winter’s day would be perfect for taking the chill off the bones. The best way to describe this whiskey is as explosive in the best possible sense.

Personally, I like something a little smoother as I’m more the sort to curl up and enjoy a long glass in front of the fire with a good book. This being said, Lochindaal 2010 probably wouldn’t be finding a permanent home in my liquor cabinet. There are two reasons for this. The price, which we’ll get to in a moment, but also because it’s not something I’d reach for regularly.

None of this means that this isn’t a very enjoyable whiskey and I can certainly see those of you that want to put a bit of fire in your belly while having a very tasty experience at the same time loving this expression. For me, personally, I would absolutely enjoy a glass or two if I were out with friends but not something I’d go looking for.

The Price
Lochindaal 2010 isn’t an inexpensive tipple, coming in at around £207 UK, but then, as I mentioned, there are only 238 bottles of it out there. At that price this would definitely be a great consideration for those collectors amongst you.