Lochlea Overtone Over & Stout
Single Malt Scotch Whisky
52% ABV / RRP: £59.99

Lochlea has steadily established itself as one of the new wave of Scottish distilleries that seamlessly blends innovation with tradition. Fully estate-grown, distilled and matured, every stage of the whisky-making process takes place on its family-owned Ayrshire farm. A place where whisky is crafted with a profound sense of provenance, each sip reflecting the soil, the barley and the changing seasons. At Lochlea, whisky-making is more than a process – it’s a philosophy, rooted in sustainability, authenticity and a deep respect for the natural rhythms of the farm.

That strong sense of place and quality control underpins Lochlea’s latest release; Overtone Over & Stout, the second and final release in the series created in collaboration with the Glasgow-based Overtone Brewery.

Drawn from just five casks – two ex-bourbon barrels and a single STR barrique, alongside a first-fill ex-bourbon and an ex-peated bourbon – used to mature stout at Overtone before being returned to Lochlea for whisky finishing – this expression exemplifies Lochlea’s signature style, with the stout-cask influence enhancing, rather than overpowering the whisky.

Nose: It opens with an enticing array of aromas: pear drops, dried stone fruits, crisp green apples, fruit cocktail and vivacious layers of vanilla, followed by fresh bread dough, baking spices and lightly toasted oak. It’s not long before those stout cask influences begin to make their presence known: cocoa powder, roasted barley, malt loaf smeared with butter and whispers of coffee crema. It’s a beautifully balanced nose; nothing demands attention, yet everything whispers in perfect harmony.

Palate: Initially soft and malty, the palate delivers a bounty of shortbread biscuits, toffee, honeycomb and orchard fruits, along with a confident cavalcade of stout cask influences: dark chocolate, espresso coffee, black treacle and a subtle hint of smoke. A gentle mid-palate dryness reins in the sweetness, adding to its overall balance and complexity.

Finish: Medium-long and gently drying, the finish delivers roasted nuts, cocoa nibs and a lingering flicker of sweet malt. It leaves the palate satisfied, yet eagerly anticipating the next sip!

Summary: Lochlea Overtone Over & Stout, is a masterclass in a purposeful, meaningful and very rewarding collaboration. The estate-grown malt shines through at every stage, with the stout cask adding depth, warmth and a whisper of indulgence without ever overshadowing the core spirit. Elegant, balanced and brimming with personality, it’s a whisky that reflects both its farmed provenance and the artistry of thoughtful cask selection. A pure drop of dramming class in a glass!