Loch Lomond Distillery Edition 9: A Summer-Inspired Single Malt

Introduction There’s something about limited seasonal releases that always piques my interest, especially when it comes from a distillery as versatile as Loch Lomond. Known for working across peated, unpeated, and various spirit styles, they’ve built a reputation for technical precision. When I came across their Distillery Edition 9, tied to a summer production break and released via their on-site shop, I was curious to see what direction they’d taken. I went in expecting something light and accessible, perhaps a whisky that echoes the calmer side of summer. Nose The aroma on this one is gentle and clean—a soft lemon peel note comes through first, followed by pear drops and a faint cereal sweetness. It’s not an overwhelming nose, and takes a moment to open up. After a few minutes, I picked up a subtle herbal edge and a trace of oak, but overall it leans light and airy. Nothing perfumed or overly intrusive—just a calm and composed bouquet. Palate The first sip confirmed my suspicion: this is a whisky built around subtlety. There’s a brief burst of sugared citrus—more lemon than orange—with a creamy texture that smooths it all over. Mid-palate brings in some honey and dry malt, though it doesn't push far into richer territory. The development is fairly restrained. With a bit more time in the glass, a light cinnamon tingle emerged, adding just enough spice to keep it interesting. It remains unpeated and mild throughout, with nothing jarring or showy. Finish The finish is short to moderate in length, but nicely calibrated. That light lemon note holds on the tongue, joined by a touch of white pepper and some soft oak tannin. It fades neatly, leaving behind a slightly dry sensation but no unpleasant bitterness. Simple, yes, but also pleasant and balanced for what it is. Price and Value Given that this bottle was only available through the distillery shop and part of a seasonal shutdown series, the pricing was modest—around £45 at the time of release. For a limited edition single malt with direct provenance and a clean presentation (non-chill filtered and natural colour), I’d say it offers decent value. It’s not a bottle that tries to punch above its weight; it knows what it is, and stays true to that. Background Loch Lomond is one of the more technically varied producers in Scotland, operating both pot stills and continuous stills, often experimenting with yeast strains, fermentation times, and spirit styles. Distillery Edition 9 comes from a summer distillation just before the site closed for routine maintenance, which makes it a snapshot of a specific moment in production. It’s entirely unpeated and bottled at 46%, which gives it a bit more presence than the standard 40% found in many entry-level expressions. There aren’t many details available about the cask recipe, but from the flavour I’d guess mostly ex-bourbon with possibly some refill oak. You can find more on the distillery itself at the official Loch Lomond website. Final Notes Would I buy this bottle again? I would if I were passing through the distillery—it’s limited but not attention-seeking, and ideal for warm afternoons when something uncomplicated feels right. As for newcomers to whisky, this would work well. There's nothing aggressive or overly oaky, and the clarity of flavour might appeal to those just starting to explore single malts. This isn’t the kind of dram I’d reserve for a slow, contemplative evening. Instead, it fits casual occasions, maybe with a light meal or simply enjoyed in the garden with friends. How does it hold up compared to other Highland-style single malts? It’s more relaxed and less character-driven than its peers, but in that same breath, it delivers an easy-going profile that fans of soft fruit and fresh grain notes will appreciate.