When Loch Lomond Distillery’s local importer Wein Wolf released this single cask bottling on the German market in late 2021, I learned two things from it: First, I discovered that Pineau des Charentes casks can be really well-suited for whisky maturation. And second, I found out what Pineau des Charentes is in the first place. I must confess that I had not stumbled upon that term, let alone tasted the corresponding beverage, before. In case this also applies to you, here is a short definition: Contrary to what one might think at first, Pineau des Charentes is not a wine in the true sense of the word. Rather, it is a fortified wine made from grape must and Cognac eau-de-vie. If you are curious to spot what effect Pineau des Charentes-soaked wood has on single malt Scotch whisky, I would wholeheartedly recommend you to try this bottling. Selected by Loch Lomond’s Brand Ambassador in Germany Sebastian Büssing, the rich and full-bodied spirit has a sweet and chewy flavor profile as well as a high degree of complexity, a grade-A mouthfeel, and an extraordinary character. It easily made it into my personal “Best of 2021” list and I could imagine that it would impress you just as much as it impressed me. So if you get the chance, be sure to check this cracker out!

by Tobi

Eye: Pale gold.
Nose: Right from the start, there’s a ton going on in this fine dram’s bouquet: Sweet and creamy scents (caramel pudding, cookie dough) meet crunchy notes (candied almonds, burnt brittle) and an underlying fruitiness (apples, pears). Additionally, there are also spicy and woody aromas. And lots of warm and delish vanilla sauce spread all over the mix!
Palate: Very mouth-coating and very complex! During the degustation, I get strawberry crème, raisin, walnut, cocoa, and various kinds of garden fruits (apples, gooseberries, yellow plums). Plus pineapple juice, citrus zest and oak. What’s most amazing about this tapestry of flavors: The differing notes harmonize perfectly with each other, creating a highly satisfying and very amazing taste experience!
Finish: During the long and good finish, I get to experience the sweetness, the creaminess, the fruitiness, and the overall awesomeness from before once more. But there are also two new sensations joining in now. One is a bright and tropical lychee note, the other is a slight saltiness (as to be found in sea-salt toffee).

Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Region: Highlands
Age: 12 years
Alc. volume: 55.6 per cent
Cask type: Pineau des Charentes hogshead
# of bottles:  406
Bottle size: 0.7 litres
Price range: ~85.00 Euro
More info: https://www.lochlomondwhiskies.com/ (Distillery) ; https://www.weinwolf.de/ (Importer)

*** I bought the bottle as a regular customer. ***