Lochlea Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky Batch 2
60% ABV (120 proof) | 700mL | No age statement | 60% PX + 28% Oloroso sherry + 12% STR ex-red wine barriques — Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 2 is the second installment in the distillery's annual cask-strength series — a vinous, sherried single malt from Lochlea Farm in South Ayrshire, Scotland. Production Director John Campbell built this batch from a cask recipe never used by the distillery before: ex-Pedro Ximénez sherry casks (60% of the marriage), ex-Oloroso sherry casks (28%), and STR ex-red wine barriques (12%) — shaved, toasted and re-charred so the Lochlea spirit still shines through. Component whiskies were distilled in 2018 and 2019. Non-chill filtered, no added color. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
Where Batch 1 leaned on first-fill bourbon and Oloroso, Batch 2 is a wine-cask showcase — the kind of deep, fruit-driven profile Lochlea's annual cask-strength releases have become known for. Like all Lochlea whisky, it's grain-to-glass from estate-grown barley at the independent family distillery that once was Robert Burns's farm. At 120 proof it rewards a splash of water, which opens the sherry fruit into marmalade and stone fruit.
Tasting notes
Official distillery notes — nose: apples, peach syrup, marmalade. Palate: wild lavender, rose petals. Finish: black pepper with signature Lochlea fruit; long, with more fruit and a hint of black pepper.
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- 60% ABV (120 proof) cask-strength single malt
- Wine-cask recipe: 60% PX sherry, 28% Oloroso sherry, 12% STR ex-red wine barriques
- Distilled 2018–2019 at Lochlea Farm, Lowlands, Scotland — no age statement
- Grain-to-glass: estate-grown barley, non-chill filtered, no added color
- Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor
How to serve it
Add a few drops of water to open the sherry and wine-cask fruit; at 120 proof the spice opens up beautifully. Neat in a Glencairn for the full intensity.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 1 and Batch 2?
Batch 1 (2023, 60.1% ABV) used first-fill bourbon and Oloroso casks; Batch 2 (60% ABV) is a vinous recipe of PX sherry, Oloroso sherry and STR ex-red wine barriques.
Is Lochlea Cask Strength chill filtered?
No — non-chill filtered with natural color.
How old is Batch 2?
No age statement is given; all component whiskies were distilled in 2018 or 2019.
What does STR mean?
"Shaved, toasted and re-charred" — a cask rejuvenation treatment that exposes fresh wood before refilling.