Overview: Loch Lomond Whiskies has introduced a new expression marking its oldest peated single malt to date. This 31-year-old release is part of the Waypoint Series and draws inspiration from a specific trail on the north-east shores of Loch Lomond, Scotland.
The Full Story
The new expression takes its name from the challenging trail between Inversnaid and Inverarnan on the north-east shores of the loch. The route forms one of the more demanding sections of the West Highland Way, passing through rugged scenery, wildlife-rich landscapes and several of the area’s best-known landmarks. For the whisky itself, Loch Lomond has used its distinctive straight-neck stills before maturing the spirit in three types of ex-Bourbon American oak casks.
It was then finished for 12 months in Tawny Port pipes. The result is a mature peated single malt that retains the distillery’s characteristic fruit, honey and soft smoke profile, amplified through three decades of maturation. Each bottle comes in an etched, handcrafted wooden case featuring an internal copper tube and artwork by illustrator Brett Breckon.
Production & Profile
Bottled at 44.1% ABV, Waypoint 31 Year Old is non-chill filtered and natural in colour. The whisky has a deep, rich rose hue reflecting its time in wood. On the nose, blackberry and sweet honey provide the opening notes. The palate brings together dark chocolate, raspberry and cedarwood, while the finish introduces woodsmoke and dark fruits.
What This Means
Michael Henry, Master Blender at Loch Lomond, sees the release as a natural expression of the Waypoint philosophy. As you follow this extraordinary trail from Inversnaid to Inverarnan, every mile becomes more challenging, but the sense of achievement and reward grows with it. The route takes you through one of Scotland’s most breathtaking landscapes and encourages you to keep exploring and discovering the wonders that surround you. That same spirit of exploration lies at the heart of single malts. Through the Waypoint Series, the distillery seeks to bring the landscape and stories of Loch Lomond to life through whisky making, creating expressions that capture the excitement of discovering something truly exceptional.
Consumer Takeaway
Loch Lomond Waypoint 31 Year Old is limited to 2,600 bottles worldwide and is available from The Whisky Exchange, priced at £750. Packaging includes artwork by illustrator Brett Breckon that follows the Inversnaid-to-Inverarnan route, incorporating its landscape, landmarks and wildlife.
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