Lochlea – Dark Briar 

If Lochlea Orchard & Oak is all about freshness, then Lochlea - Dark Briar is its shadowy counterpart, indulgent, full-bodied, and brimming with rich character. As the latest permanent addition to Lochlea’s growing core range, Dark Briar takes inspiration from the limited Fallow Edition, doubling down on sherry and port cask influence.

The whisky is matured in a thoughtful trio: Pedro Ximénez casks for syrupy sweetness, Oloroso sherry butts for nutty complexity and spice, and Port casks for deep, jammy red fruit notes. The result is a dram with layers upon layers of flavour, perfectly balanced but with undeniable heft.

Aromas of red berries, dried fruit, and sweet ginger spice set the tone. The palate is bold, delivering plums, ginger cake, and silky chocolate, all underscored by warming baking spice and oak. The finish is lingering, rich, and satisfyingly sweet, leaving the impression of fruit compote and spiced loaf.

Bottled at 46% ABV, non-chill filtered, and natural in colour, Lochlea Dark Briar captures the distillery’s philosophy of honesty and quality,  whisky with nothing to hide. It’s a dram built for slow evenings, hearty company, and those who like their malts deep and indulgent.