A Scot on Scotch

Brave New Spirits Loch Lomond “Deep Creatures of the Lake”

WHISKY REVIEWS, NEWS, HISTORY & FOLKLORE

Brave New Spirits WhiskyHeroes

Brave New Spirits is an independent bottler based in Glasgow. Their WhiskyHeroes range features single-cask and small-batch whiskies that showcase traditional maturation using ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. The bottles are adorned with bold labels inspired by adventure stories and the titles follow a similar path.

Deep Creatures of the Lake is a single malt distilled at Loch Lomond Distillery, which resides in the town of Alexandria, not far from the famous Loch. Now loch (or lake) monsters, are associated with Scotland in a big way. Indeed, our relationship with water, in general, seems to have inspired many a tale.

From the Blue Men of the Minch to the Selkies and the Kelpies, the Mermaids and the Stoor Worms, Scotland loves a creature of watery origin and perhaps none more so than the famous beastie of Loch Ness. Despite being honoured in song, however, the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond has never been known as the place to go monster spotting. Not unless you’ve accidentally encountered the nudist colony inhabiting Inchmurrin Island.

Don’t let the lack of a good monster put you off Loch Lomond or its whisky, though. The distillery is one of the most interesting (and complicated) in Scotland, with various stills that can be combined in different ways to create a whole selection of unique spirits. I wonder what Brave New Spirits has got its hands on…

*Full disclosure: the whisky featured in this article was sent to me free of charge. As always, I will strive to give an honest opinion on the quality of the dram and the value for money it represents.

Brave New Spirits Loch Lomond Review

Deep Creatures of the Lake is a single malt distilled at Loch Lomond distillery. It was matured for 10 years in a first-fill bourbon barrel and bottled at 58.1% abv.

Tasting notes: The nose suggests sweet pastries and cakes: buttery vanilla, buttercream and icing sugar, cupcakes, barley flour, grist, pineapple Danish pastries, lemon mousse, and custard creams. On the palate, there are lemon biscuits, custard tarts, buttercream and toffee-flavoured yoghurts. Buttered crumpets. There’s a wee suggestion of spirit heat at the midway point that could do with a splash of water to settle. A wee touch of lime zest in there.

Thoughts: Deep Creatures of the Lake is a sweet, summery dram. Light and fruity on the nose and sweet on the tongue. The strength and heat of it work slightly against its gentle character but a splash of water sorts that out without losing too much integrity from the mouthfeel. Overall, an enjoyable whisky when you’re in the mood for something soft and bright.

Price: £67.50. Just about staying on the reasonable side of indie bottled Scotch.