The Loch Lomond Group has revealed a new single grain Scotch whisky: Spearhead. The new expression was specifically designed to be a lighter spirit, aiming to encourage more drinkers to enter the world of whisky.
The whisky is sweeter in style and more similar to a Bourbon. It is crafted at Loch Lomond’s distillery using a continuous Coffey style still, allowing for a lighter spirit to be created. The spirit is then aged in ex-bourbon barrels before finishing in a combination of fire and infrared-toasted virgin American oak barrels.
The infrared barrels allow for an exact level of toast that extracts natural properties in the barrel, releasing a range of flavors from the wood that are then caramelized to give a complex range of sweet notes. Loch Lomond Distillery is currently the only distillery in Scotland to use infrared barrels to finish whisky.
This process is unique to Scotch whisky making, making Spearhead a pioneer in the field, and creates a spirit perfect for new whisky drinkers or those who enjoy long serves.
Displayed in a bourbon-style bottle, Spearhead offers notes of vanilla pod, blackberries and dark chocolate, making it a light neat dram, or an exciting base for longer drinks and cocktails.
For those looking to mix-up a cocktail, Spearhead’s take on a Clover Club, which replaces the traditionally-used gin base for Scotch, is a perfect sweet yet sour serve. Alternatively, whisky drinkers can enjoy a spritzer-style serve, swapping wine for Spearhead and serving with Pêche de Vigne and ginger ale, or try a Spear and Beer, serving 50mls with a can of craft beer.
“We have been working very hard to create an innovative new Scotch Whisky and we are pleased to finally launch Spearhead to market,” said Calum Leslie, Head of Innovation at Loch Lomond Group.
“While this style of whisky is very popular in the Irish and American markets, there isn’t anything comparable in the Scotch sector. Spearhead is one of a kind, championing the single grain, and taking a non-traditional approach to whisky making that will resonate with people new to Scotch. It’s the perfect whisky for those who prefer the sweetness of a bourbon or enjoy a long-whisky based serve, with Spearhead taking a twist on some classic cocktails.
“Adopting our 200-year history of distilling, Spearhead has been created with the same level of care and expertise that goes into each and every one of Loch Lomond Group’s expressions, but it has its own unique journey. The end result is a bold, highly versatile liquid characterised by its sweet and light flavour.”
Priced at £30 with an ABV of 43%, Spearhead whisky can be purchased via the brand’s official website.