Right here’s a barely older bottling by The Whisky Jury. I have to admit that the peated variations of Loch Lomond (equivalent to this heavy Croftengea) don’t all the time spark my curiosity however typically they’re actually good nonetheless.
Loch Lomond – Croftengea 17 yo 2007 (59,2%, The Whisky Jury 2024, refill hogshead #258, 247 btl.)
Nostril: peated lemonade. There’s thick, muddy peat, forest ground and dried grass, but in addition clear lemony notes and lemongrass. It’s barely feinty and ponderous, with a whiff of asparagus, but it additionally boasts minty freshness, uncooked cider and hints of carbolic cleaning soap. Then additionally uncooked wool and a touch of tobacco. A fats and barely soiled nostril, however the lemons completely elevate it.
Mouth: zesty and chiselled peat smoke, with an enormous physique. Fats sooty notes, barbecue and mossy notes. Then again to lemons and grapefruits, honeyed apple, even a bit of pineapple. Tarry notes, inexperienced leaves, loads of heat ashes with a splash of seawater. A drop of water opens it up properly and brings out extra fruits.
End: lengthy and good, nonetheless pushing these citric fruits together with the cumbersome peat smoke. Hints of uncooked barley, ink and inexperienced olives as effectively.
This Croftengea has a number of the dirtier components – a bit like Glen Scotia, solely extra highly effective. Then again it exhibits stunning acidic fruits, making it darkish and shiny on the identical time. A strong choice – nonetheless some bottles obtainable.
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