The Ayrshire-based Lochlea Distillery has announced the launch of the final release in its limited-edition Overtone Brewery collaboration series.

Lochlea Overtone Over & Stout (52% ABV) is a single malt Scotch whisky drawn from just five casks: three stout-seasoned casks (two ex-Bourbon barrels and one STR barrique), one first-fill ex-Bourbon barrel and one ex-peated Bourbon barrel.

Grown, distilled and matured on Lochlea’s family-run single estate, this second and final release in the collaborative series is said to reflect the team’s commitment to local ingredients, sustainable practices and full on-site maturation.

The distillery’s partnership with Overtone Brewery, a Glasgow-based craft brewer, began with shared casks used to mature a stout before being returned to Lochlea for whisky finishing. The result is a whisky that has enjoyed an additional year of maturation, deepening the stout’s earthy, chocolatey character while enhancing sweet vanilla notes and gentle smoke.

Commenting on the launch, Emma Kirk, Lochlea’s Trade Sales Manager, said: “As many of you know, last year we collaborated with Glasgow-based craft brewery Overtone, who were searching for whisky casks to mature their first-ever double-mash stout. We were happy to oblige. We released three of these casks (OLO, BBN, STR) last year for our inaugural Overtone Stout release, which was a huge success. This left us with three remaining stout casks maturing in our on-site warehouse.”

Emma continued: “This year, we have brought these three remaining casks together, each with an impressive extra 12 months of maturation compared to their sister casks bottled last year. The result? A richer, fruitier dram with even more of that stouty goodness imparted onto our Lochlea spirit. This bottling brings the collaboration to a close — for now — which is why we have aptly named this release Over & Stout. I hope you enjoy this dram as much as we do. It’s the perfect whisky to share with your nearest and dearest this Christmas.”

Limited to 1,500 bottles, Lochlea Overtone Over & Stout will be available from December 4th from selected specialist retailers, for a RRP of £59.99.