For over 200 years, the whisky made at the Loch Lomond distillery has been something of a well-kept secret. Tracing its roots back to 1814, the Highland distillery was originally singularly focused on making spirit to be used in blended scotch. Perhaps with a desire to be all things to all blenders, the family owners of the 20th century made the decision to make Loch Lomond Scotland’s most adept and capable distillery.
Today, it’s the only distillery in Scotland with four different kinds of still: the traditional swan-necked, round-bellied wash and spirit pot stills you’d see in every Scottish whisky distillery, a straight necked pot still and a column still. The innovative engineering of Loch Lomond’s stills gave it the ability to create 11 different and distinct kinds of new make spirit. Peated, fruity, floral… whatever style of whisky you wanted, Loch Lomond could make it.
This flexibility has proved to be the distillery’s superpower and one it still uses. ‘We embrace innovation in a way that sets us apart from any other Scotch whisky distillery,’ says Loch Lomond’s master blender Michael Henry, who explains how a long fermentation process, along with the distillery’s distinctive straight necked pot stills, concentrates deeply fruity flavours. Equipped with special copper plates in their necks, their unique design allows for greater interaction with the cooling alcohol vapour, refining the separation of flavours and enhancing the vibrant, fruit-forward character that Loch Lomond Whiskies are known for.
‘What makes these stills even more extraordinary is their ability to concentrate fruit flavours by taking a spirit cut from 90-80% ABV,’ adds Henry. ‘This allows us to craft whiskies with remarkable depth, complexity and character—something that conventional swan neck stills simply cannot replicate.’ Finally, the distillery’s on-site cooperage – one of only four in Scotland – gives complete control over the maturation process.
The incredible single malt potential of Loch Lomond, once hidden in blended Scotch, is now being shared with the world
Today, Loch Lomond’s signature style is very clear – a balance of fruit flavours produced by long fermentation, honey from an American oak ageing process and soft smoke from Loch Lomond’s peated spirit variant.
Beyond the signature style, the distillery’s appetite for innovation and desire to show off its capabilities also shines through their single grain whisky Spearhead. In 2024, the IWSC awarded best whisky under 15 years old to Loch Lomond Inchmurrin 12 Year Old, a smoky whisky with notes of peach, apricot, toffee and vanilla.
‘This freedom and mastery we have over every stage of whisky-making enables us to create an exceptionally diverse range of whiskies,’ says Henry. ‘Every bottle tells the story of our expertise and ambition.’
The incredible single malt potential of Loch Lomond, once hidden in blended Scotch, is now being shared with the world and gaining in popularity. The IWSR has named Loch Lomond as the fastest growing top 25 single malt brand in the world for two of the last three years. Unsurprisingly for a whisky so unique, the distillery has also been making a name for itself on the awards circuit, winning 58 awards at major global industry competitions, including the IWSC’s Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year 2024.
‘As our whiskies reach new markets across the globe, we’re seeing a surge in recognition; whisky lovers and the industry alike are uncovering our story and embracing what makes Loch Lomond so special,’ says Henry.
Keen to get the word out further, Loch Lomond is inviting people to join them in raising a dram of Loch Lomond in celebration of what has proved to be a golden year of achievement for the independent distiller. As part of Loch Lomond’s ‘Golden Week’, whisky expert, drinks writer and IWSC judge Joel Harrison will join Michael Henry in leading a global online tasting.
‘The best way to understand the magic of Loch Lomond Whiskies is to taste it,’ says Henry. ‘We invite whisky lovers everywhere to raise a glass and experience the extraordinary.’
Loch Lomond is partnering with key retailers during the w/c 24 March to offer whisky lovers a 20% discount, encouraging them to discover the whiskies in its current range. To find out more about how to join in with Golden Week, click here.
