Lochside 1967 Review

Country: Scotland 

Region: Highland (Eastern)

Brand: Lochside 1967 (Malts of Scotland) 

Type: Single Malt Whisky

Age: 45 Years

ABV: 41.7 %

Colour: Light Gold

Nose: This Lochside needs serious time to open up. At least 45 minutes I would say. To be honest I didn't know what to expect of such an old spirit. The Wood is there of course but it's not covering up everything else. It rather forms a solid basis for the other Aromas. Beautiful Creamy and Fruity Notes. Papaya-Cream and Mango-Cream come to mind. Butter Cream as well. I also find Straw, Herbal Tea, Malt, light Lemon, light Vanilla, Cognac, Bourbon and hints of Old Leather and Italian Espresso. Mind you, it will not overwhelm you right from the moment you bring your Nose to the glass. In fact it requires time and patience. But it's very rewarding in the end. Beautiful Balance!

Palate: Here the Oak is really taking the lead. I also find Herbal Tea, Coconut, Grapefruit-Juice, Pepper, Cardamom, Ginger, Lemon, Cognac and ripe Mango.

Finish: Middle-Long and quite Metallic with Oak, Herbal Tea, Bitter Oranges, Licorice, Mint, Nutmeg, Cardamom and Pepper.

You really shouldn't add Water to this Lochside.  

Rating: 88

Nose: 23 - Taste: 21.5 - Finish: 21.5 - Overall: 22 

General Remarks: The Lochside Distillery used to be a Beer Brewery, bought by MacNab Distillery Ltd in 1957. It started distilling both Malt - and Grain Whiskies around that year. It changed hands various times, was mothballed in 1992 and was finally demolished in 2004-2005. Nowadays the MacNab Brand Name is owned by Chivas Regal (Pernod-Ricard).

The Single Malt we are tasting today was distilled in 1967 and bottled in March 2012. It was matured by - and bottled at Cask Strength for Malts of Scotland, an Independent Bottler based in Paderborn, Germany. It matured in Ex-Bourbon Hogshead MoS # 12016 and costs around 460 US Dollars. Only 115 bottles were reserved for Malts of Scotland. This whisky is naturally coloured and not chill-filtered.

Drinking Experience Neat: Good. Wonderful Nose!

Conclusion: I can't deny this was a very special moment! This Lochside is the oldest and most expensive Single Malt I have tasted so far. And from a Distillery that does not exist anymore. Just to think I was only 15 years old when this Whisky was distilled! Still, as always, I try to be as objective as possible which is very subjective of course! The Nose is really very nice once you have given it time to open up. Great Balance and very nice Papaya-Cream notes. On the Palate King Oak rules but it's not over the top. Lots of Herbs and Spices. The Finish has its ups and downs. The Metallic feeling slightly disappoints but the Nutmeg and Cardamom notes are quite nice and clear. All in all a very good Single Malt and I'm glad I was able to taste it. 

Jan van den Ende                                                           November 29, 2013