Loch Lomond 18 Year Old Scotch Review

By David Levine

Rating: B+

Continuing Loch Lomond Group’s track record of putting out affordable single malts at heritage age statements, today brings Loch Lomond 18 Year Old Single Malt. Notably, it’s closer to the $10/year threshold than its Glen Scotia 15 cousin (by business, not by location).

If you’re looking for an approachable, easy-to-drink, fresh fruit-forward dram that will both satisfy a single malt snob and be a permanent addition to your shelf, look no further.

The Scotch
This dram is dripping with honey syrup in the way only Greek and Eastern Mediterranean desserts can do well. The apples are bright and fresh off the tree, sliced in the orchard and drizzled. Honeycomb candies or, hell, straight up honeycomb in a little plastic container from your local apiary.

The mouthfeel is the only area that I think could be improved, as it’s light for the sweetness. At 92 proof, there isn’t a ton of ethanol to carry the flavors or give more depth, and the cask is quite mild (i.e., not helping much either on this note). More first-fill or even a virgin cask here and there per batch would give enough tannic structure to let the flavors linger on your tongue for longer. It’s a delicious, straightforward pour, so why not make it last?

46%/92º

Eye: Manuka honey. Thin bleeding rims, no legs, small droplets.

Nose: Apples coated in honey – dark honey – barest hint of woodsmoke way in the back. Lightly toasted malt. Honey is dominant but not overly sweet, like it is in black tea. Comforting. No proof or oak.

Palate: Sweeter honey here, fruitier and fresher, too, like chewing on honeycomb. The apples are sweet and tart, more Pink Lady or Honeycrisp than Reds. Tannins open subtly mid-palate and around the sides of my tongue. Toasted malt again. Mouthfeel is light side of medium, shows some mint and more oak dryness. Settles under the tongue, neither coating nor oily.

Finish: Creamier and more piquant, a flash of white pepper before baked and dried apples arrive. Mild numbing on the back half of my tongue. Medium to long length, lots of dark honey all over.

Overall: Stays true to the bottle and packaging, that’s for sure. Apples, honey, mild barrel influence, and the lightest wood smoke in the  background. The honey is really the star, dark at times and freshly gathered at others. Subtly mouthwatering, the oak an undercurrent rather than a scene-stealer (or distraction).

The Price
Loch Lomond 18 has an MSRP of $159.99. In the UK, the price listed by the company is £90.00 with free shipping.