Ichmurrin is part of trilogy of 12 years old whiskies within the core range from Highlands distillery Loch Lomond. This whisky is created to express the intense orchard fruit character of the Loch Lomond spirit, while 12 Years Old Inchmoan depicts a rich smoke and spicy version, and the Loch Lomond 12 Years Old shows the perfectly balanced signature style of fruit, honey and soft smoke. Inchmurrin is the largest island on Loch Lomond, and is known as ‘the grassy isle’. It is home to an award-winning hotel and restaurant.
This 12 years old single malt is matured in three varieties of American Oak casks – ex-bourbon, re-fill and re-charred – using spirit from Loch Lomond’s rather unique straight neck stills which helps deliver the fruity style of whisky. It is the only Loch Lomond whisky to use just spirit from this still type. Inchmurrin is bottled at 46% ABV and non-chill filtered. It is widely available from spirits retailers globally or direct from Loch Lomond’s website lochlomondwhiskies.com for £47.
Loch Lomond distillery is unlike any other as it utilises both traditional swan neck and straight neck stills, combined with a variety of yeast strains and extended fermentation. They take two cuts of spirit (high and low strength) and produce unpeated and peated single malt through these stills. Additionally, their on-site cooperage gives full control over cask selection and maturation. This innovative and imaginative variety of process allows Loch Lomond’s Master Blender Michael Henry to create a more complex range of whiskies, and depth of character within each whisky released.
Loch Lomond is located in the small Scottish town of Alexandria, which lies just south of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, northwest of Glasgow. The Loch Lomond distillery was founded in 1965 by the Littlemill Distillery Company Ltd. After almost 20 years of production, it closed between 1984 and 1987 following a takeover by the Glen Catrine Bonded Warehouse Ltd. The current owners are the Loch Lomond Group, who also own Glen Scotia in Campbeltown.
Loch Lomond Whiskies is on an unstoppable journey gaining world-wide recognition for their range of whiskies and production process. This whisky alone has won three gold medals during 2024 from international spirits competitions. Loch Lomond was also recently recognised by being named Scotch Distiller of the Year at IWSC (International Wine and Spirits Competition) for the period of 2024/25.
The full Loch Lomond range contains both non age stated and age statement whiskies (currently up to 50 years), a travel retail exclusive range, limited edition single malts (distillery editions and special series), as well as a range of single grain whiskies.
Our Tasting Notes
The colour is a deep gold and the nose is fruity and sweet. There is a disticnt aroma of underlying malty, and it feels very green and appley. Further aromas of fudge, toffee, and vanilla custard, plus a very delicate hint of cinnamon come through. It really takes time to open up and patience reveals fresh citrus peel and floral orchard blossom.
On the palate this whisky is soft, rich, sweet and creamy. It starts silky and velvety, with notes of delicate Royal icing sweetness. Then come the bold fruity notes. This is led by orchard fruits and is a combination of dried green apple, fresh apricot and ripe peach. A herbal hint of menthol and eucalyptus add depth, as does a distinct malty backbone. Further notes of cinnamon bark and warming oak spice give a savoury complexity, while a characteristic of good vanilla patisserie custard and hint of vibrant orange oil develop with time.
The finish is relatively short and has a distinct drying oaky quality that comes through. It begins sweet and oaty – think of a malt drink like Ovaltine or Horlicks. As these, plus the fruity elements, fade a white pepper heat evolves right at the end.
What’s The Verdict?
The Loch Lomond 12 Years Old Inchmurrin feels very classic in style for an American oak influenced whisky. This undoubtably explains the list of awards this expression is winning. It shows what use of good quality casks can provide – it is fruity, sweet and creamy with plenty of depth. That said, while it is not the most complex of whiskies, it is a lovely moreish sipper none the less.
The 12 years of maturation provides an enticing flavour profile without overpowering the more delicate notes within the spirit itself. It has a lovely nose and palate, but do not expect an exceptionally long, lingering finish. Very enjoyable.
