Loch Lomond, one of Scotland's distinguished whisky distilleries, has launched an exciting new range of single malt whiskies called the Waypoint Series. This collection, set to appeal to whisky enthusiasts and adventurers alike, draws deeply from the beauty and spirit of Scotland’s Trossachs National Park, which is renowned for its rugged landscapes, scenic beauty, and sense of exploration. Each whisky in the Waypoint Series embodies a unique "waypoint" within the park, offering both a tribute to the landscape and a taste experience that reflects it.
Image credit: Loch Lomond
A Unique Distillation and Maturation Process
The first release in this series, the Waypoint 16-Year-Old, sets the tone for what Loch Lomond hopes will be an iconic collection. This whisky was crafted exclusively using Loch Lomond’s swan neck stills, a distinctive choice that highlights the distillery’s commitment to innovation. These swan neck stills are one of two types employed by Loch Lomond, with the other being unique straight-neck stills, making the distillery the only one in Scotland to use both types. The swan neck stills are known to allow for a softer, more nuanced spirit, perfect for a whisky meant to capture the subtleties of Scotland's landscape.
The whisky was aged for 16 years, primarily in American oak casks that had previously held bourbon. This American oak maturation imparts flavors of vanilla, spice, and subtle wood undertones to the spirit. But the real depth of flavor comes from an additional 12-month finish in Cognac casks, a choice that adds rich oak notes and a slightly fruity character. This combination of barrels allows the whisky to showcase a complex, layered profile that evolves with every sip.
Tasting Notes: A Journey of Flavors
The Waypoint 16-Year-Old offers a sensory journey, beginning with a fragrant nose featuring soft citrus and delicate honey blossom. On the palate, it opens up to reveal flavors of stewed apple, which blend seamlessly with hints of honeysuckle. As the whisky unfolds, deeper flavors from the Cognac finish emerge, adding a refined oakiness to the profile. This medium finish lingers with gentle citrus notes, inviting the drinker back for another sip. The flavors are complex yet harmonious, with each layer carefully developed to reflect the character of the Trossachs National Park.
Inspiration from The Falls of Falloch
The Falls of Falloch, a well-known waterfall within the Trossachs, served as the inspiration for this first release. The waterfall, set amidst dense forests and dramatic terrain, is a popular destination for travelers drawn to its natural beauty and serene yet powerful presence. Master distiller Michael Henry explained that the falls symbolize both the power of nature and the spirit of exploration that draws people to this region. For Henry and his team, the Waypoint Series is more than just a whisky release; it’s a way to bring the landscape, history, and sense of adventure of the Trossachs into each bottle.
“The Waypoint Series captures our eternal desire to push boundaries,” said Henry. “It reflects the remarkable places surrounding our unique distillery. We live in a world-famous location that inspires exploration, and that is what we wanted to share in this collection.”
The whisky is presented in a custom-designed box, featuring artwork by Welsh illustrator Brett Breckon. Breckon’s illustrations are crafted to evoke a "mythical journey" through the flora and fauna that frame the Falls of Falloch, adding a visual storytelling element to the whisky's overall presentation. This thoughtful packaging reflects the distillery’s dedication to blending tradition with storytelling, using visuals that complement the flavor profile.
Price and Availability
The Waypoint 16-Year-Old is bottled at 46.2% ABV, a robust strength that balances the whisky’s flavors while maintaining its depth. It is priced at £82 ($106 USD) and is available through select retailers. The competitive pricing reflects Loch Lomond’s desire to offer a premium product that is still accessible to whisky lovers eager to explore new experiences within the Scotch whisky category.
Loch Lomond’s Legacy and Vision for the Waypoint Series
The Waypoint Series is not just a new product line for Loch Lomond but an extension of its ethos. Known for its unique approach to whisky making, Loch Lomond has a history of innovation, including its recent release of a 50-year-old single malt from its oldest reserves and its introduction of a non-alcoholic ‘spirit’ based on Ben Lomond gin. These recent developments highlight the distillery's willingness to respect tradition while still pushing boundaries in flavor and production techniques.
Loch Lomond’s ability to produce Scotch whisky in both swan neck and straight neck stills gives it an unusual degree of flexibility in flavor creation. This adaptability is something the Waypoint Series will likely continue to showcase in future releases, each offering a different expression of the distillery's approach to exploring flavor and honoring its surroundings.
With the introduction of the Waypoint Series, Loch Lomond is poised to capture the attention of both whisky connoisseurs and adventurers. As the series evolves, each new release will represent another waypoint, celebrating the distinctive landmarks and experiences within the Trossachs National Park. Through this collection, Loch Lomond Distillery reaffirms its connection to the land and its commitment to crafting innovative whiskies that capture the spirit of Scotland’s natural wonders.