Loch Lomond Original Scotch 750ML

Loch Lomond Original Scotch 750ML is a Highland single malt Scotch whisky bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a 750ml format. Rated 88 points by Whisky Advocate, this expression stands apart thanks to the distillery's rare straight-neck Lomond stills — unusual equipment that produces spirit at a wider range of strengths and flavor profiles than conventional pot stills.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Highlands, Scotland  |  Style: No Age Statement Single Malt  |  Distillery: Loch Lomond Distillery, Alexandria

Production & Heritage

Loch Lomond Distillery sits in Alexandria on the southern edge of the Scottish Highlands, near the banks of its namesake loch. The distillery operates both traditional swan-neck copper pot stills and six proprietary straight-neck Lomond stills equipped with internal rectification plates — a setup virtually unique in the Scotch whisky industry. These Lomond stills can produce spirit at up to 90% ABV compared to approximately 70% from standard pot stills, enabling distillers to isolate and emphasize specific flavor compounds. Loch Lomond Original is made entirely from malted barley, and the final whisky is a marriage of spirit from both still types, matured across three American oak cask types: ex-bourbon, refill, and re-charred barrels.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Light and floral at first, opening into layers of honey, lavender, and lemon peel. Green banana and fresh cereal grain develop underneath, suggesting the influence of the ex-bourbon casks.

Taste: The palate enters with a burst of clean malt and appetizing cereal notes that build steadily. Mid-palate, green apple and pear meet vanilla sweetness, while honeyed malt creates an almost creamy texture. The interplay between the two still types is evident — a fruitier top layer sits over a broader, more grain-forward base.

Finish: Medium in length with a smooth, warming fade. A gentle hint of smoke lingers alongside residual honey and soft oak, keeping things balanced and clean.

How to Drink Loch Lomond Original

Neat or with a few drops of water works well to open up the floral and honey character without overwhelming the lighter fruit notes. On the rocks, the whisky remains approachable and retains its malt backbone. Three cocktails worth trying: a Highball, where the citrus and cereal notes pair naturally with chilled soda water and a lemon twist; a Penicillin, where the gentle smoke and honey complement the ginger-honey syrup; and a Rob Roy, where the malt sweetness provides enough structure to stand up to sweet vermouth.

Best For

• Introducing someone to single malt Scotch without overwhelming peat or high ABV
• Building a Highland whisky collection alongside peatier or sherried expressions
• Casual weeknight sipping when a lighter, uncomplicated dram is in order
• Gifting a curious spirits drinker who wants to explore beyond blended Scotch

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Loch Lomond Original taste like? It delivers a honeyed, malt-forward profile with green apple, pear, vanilla, and cereal sweetness, finishing with a gentle wisp of smoke and warming oak.

How does Loch Lomond Original compare to The Balvenie DoubleWood 12? Both are approachable, ex-bourbon-influenced Highland-region malts with honey and vanilla notes, but Balvenie DoubleWood adds a sherry cask finish that gives it richer dried fruit character, while Loch Lomond Original stays lighter and more cereal-driven thanks to its unique Lomond still spirit.

Is Loch Lomond Original good for beginners? Yes — its 40% ABV, clean malt character, and absence of heavy peat make it one of the more accessible entry points into single malt Scotch whisky.

Where is Loch Lomond Original made? It is distilled at the Loch Lomond Distillery in Alexandria, Scotland, located in the southern Highlands near the western shore of Loch Lomond.

What foods pair well with Loch Lomond Original? Smoked salmon, where the gentle smoke in the whisky echoes the fish; shortbread or oat cakes, which complement the cereal and honey notes; mild creamy cheeses like Brie; roasted chicken with herbs; and apple tart or pear crumble, mirroring the fruit on the palate.

What sizes does Loch Lomond Original come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Loch Lomond Original worth the price? Loch Lomond Original positions as an entry-level single malt, competing in the accessible tier alongside expressions like Glenfiddich 12 and Glenlivet 12, and its unique dual-still production adds genuine distinction at this price bracket.

Why Loch Lomond Original?

The defining feature here is production. Loch Lomond is one of the only distilleries in Scotland operating straight-neck Lomond stills with rectification plates alongside traditional swan-neck pots — and this expression deliberately blends spirit from both. That 88-point rating from Whisky Advocate reflects a whisky that punches above its entry-level positioning. The triple-cask maturation in ex-bourbon, refill, and re-charred American oak adds layered vanilla and oak sweetness without masking the distillery's distinctive malt character. For drinkers who want a single malt with genuine provenance and an unusual production story at an approachable price tier, Loch Lomond Original delivers substance behind the label.