Review: Loch Lomond 18 Years Old

You may have noticed more offerings on the shelves lately from Loch Lomond. That’s because the brand reportedly renewed its focus on the U.S. market in 2025 after a brand refresh in 2022. We were quite impressed with the results for the entry-level, 12-year-old expression reviewed earlier this year. A rarer, 18-year-old release is also on offer, and the Highland distillery recently shared a sample with us.

Like the 12-year, this elder sibling ages in three different types of American oak: first-fill bourbon, refill, and re-charred casks. And, as one of only four distilleries in all of Scotland with an on-site cooperage, Loch Lomond’s cask management begins at the stave. The spirit itself is perhaps even more unique, distilled on both traditional swan neck stills and unique straight neck pot stills that function somewhat like column stills with 32 copper plates offering more precise control over distillation. Let’s check it out.

Loch Lomond 18 Years Old Review

On the nose, this is a rich, malty whisky that is uniquely well-baked, reminiscent of a busy, European boulangerie with its warm bread, caramelized sugar, and fruit pie notes. The out-of-the-oven character subsides as things bloom in the glass, revealing lots of orchard and stone fruit: stewed peaches, sugary apricots, and ripe plums. With more time to breathe, the bready, pastry crust notes return, a little singed with wood smoke and slightly buttery in texture, adding even more to an already complex aroma.

The palate is medium-bodied, oily and round with early notes of cooked pineapple and poached pear that offer a higher tone, though somewhat restrained, sweetness that is reinforced by undertones of crème caramel, toffee, and a lacing of soft campfire smoke. Those flavors seem almost outsized for such an elegant, easy-drinking single malt. The midpalate continues this gentle complexity with a bit of candied ginger, apple chips, and orange pound cake before a mildly peppered finish of barley sugar, clove-studded orange, and candy apple arrives. It’s another impressive value from Loch Lomond. While you may find other 18-year-old single malts around the same price, few can deliver this kind of drinking experience.

92 proof.

A / $140 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]

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