Lochside 1991, 31 Year Old - The Recollection Series #2 "Connoisseurs Choice" G&M, 700ml
Created in 1968 by whisky visionary, George Urquhart the Connoisseurs Choice tells its life story through its label: cask type, bottling date, strength, vintage and tasting note.
The 31 Year Old Lochside 1991 was matured in Refilled Bourbon Barrel and bottled from cask #15194 at 47.1% ABV, in 2023. Bottled under theย Connoisseurs Choice and the Recollection Series #2.
Only 57 bottles produced.
Lochside was a brewery from 1786 until its closure in 1957. It incorporated a white tower โ a classic German brauhaus design โ that was reinterpreted by Charles Doig in 1899. The site was then bought by Joseph Hobbs (who owned Ben Nevis distillery) and he set about installing a Coffey still, swiftly followed by four pot stills in 1961.
His son, Joe Junior, retained ownership until 1973 when Spanish distiller Destilerias y Crianzas [DyC] bought it as a source for the some of the malt it used in its top-selling DYC blend. The Coffey still was decommissioned and the distillery ran until the early 1990s when DYC [by then part of Sherry and wine firm Pedro Domecq] was itself taken over by Allied Distillers.
Lochside was considered surplus to requirements by its new parent, it was closed and sold to developers before being demolished in 2005.
Nose: Mellow vanilla notes give way to waxy lemon peel and dried exotic fruits with a touch of ginger.
Palate: Sweet and fruity with peach and passionfruit followed by hints of blackcurrant liquorice and pepper.
Finish: Medium with subtle lingering herbal notes.