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Lochlea Distillery has been quietly distilling, casking and maturing their spirit under the cover of Lochlea Farm in Ayrshire. The first expression of their Lochlea Whisky is expected to launch in late 2021.
The Lochlea team has been working on creating a truly distinct whisky under the watchful eye of distillery manager, Malcolm Rennie. With 34 years in the whisky industry, Malcolm cut his teeth on Kilchoman, Bruichladdich and Ardbeg but sees Lochlea as the result of his life’s work.
Malcolm said: “Ensuring full traceability from field to cask is vital for us. We grow and harvest our own barley on Lochlea farm with the resulting draff used to feed local cattle and the water is sourced on-site. We’ve been able to take advantage of Ayrshire’s natural resources and in doing so it keeps our carbon footprint to a minimum.”
The distillery is the result of a £6million investment. Planning of the purpose-built facility started in 2014 with everything from the groundwork and foundations, through to installation of the still house equipment taking four years to complete. Production commenced in August 2018 with the first casks filled and stock laid down in their on-site warehouse.
Ayrshire local and Lochlea Whisky commercial manager, David Ferguson, said: “Lochlea Whisky will carve out its own unique place in the industry. The new make spirit is bursting with orchard fruit and has a beautiful elegance way beyond its years.
“Lochlea Farm is deeply rooted in Scottish history and is known for being the home and workplace of Robert Burns from 1777 to 1784. Burns is known for his honest, passionate and progressive nature and this has inspired some of Lochlea Distillery’s core values.”
The first bottling of Lochlea Whisky is expected to launch later this year. To follow their journey, follow Lochlea Whisky on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Visit the Lochlea Whisky website here.
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