A bang-for-buck budget-friendly 18? | Loch Lomond 18 REVIEW

[@despiteu99]

So the LL18 went on sale in the Chicago area for $70 U.S. I picked one up and really enjoyed it. Decided to go grab another to hand out as a gift. They are flying off the shelves! I had to go hunt for it at other locations.

[@Nikolay_Nikolov]

Happy New Year, Geoff! At the price of roughly 70 euros Loch Lomond 18 is among the most affordable 18 yo malts in Bulgaria along with Glen Moray 18 and Speyburn 18. I love Loch Lomond 12 and also have the 14 yo and Inchmurrin 12 in the stash. The 18 yo is on my byuing list too. Cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

Happy New Year, Nikolay! This is definitely a bang-for-buck 18 imo. I should also get my hands on the Moray 18, which is a review I've been promising for ages now. The Inchmurrin 18 was not to my taste, as I found it too oaky, but the price on it was very fair so definitely worth a try. Cheers! 🥃

[@FerNightwalker]

Coming back from a mini-vacation, and time to catch up, hehe.... From Loch Lomond I have good memories, I had tried the Original (NAS) a good choice as a entry level, The 12 is one I have on my to-buy list, and now I realize that the 18 is one I MUST have, (I looove those industrial notes) unfortunately it's a little late to "seek help" for me. hahaha.... 🤣🤣 Luckily after the rebranding they went to a fully natural presentation, No more E150A.👏👏👏 I hear good comments about their (100% malt) grain whiskys too, i hope trying them Happy 2023, and best wishes to you!! 🙌🥃🥃

[@Gwhisky]

I've yet to try the NAS, but I've heard it's good bang-for-buck. The 12 wasn't for me, but it was decent and certainly interesting. The 18... no going back for me either. One of the most affordable and interesting 18s on the market. I believe they're still colouring, as their master distiller reached out to me with additional details shortly after I put out this video. Oh well, the whisky is still fantastic. Cheers buddy and a very late Happy New Year to you too!

[@carlmartinlinder]

1st fill Bourbon, refill and recharred wood is what is official. Very happy to hear you are starting to like Loch Lomond. For me, the 18-y is good but not great. On pair with the 12-y and bit above the 14-Y. The 15-Y (Nordic exclusive) is the best bang for the bucks. Loch Lomond is one of my top-3 distillery.

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks for the info! And yeah... the profile is growing on me. I haven't had the 15 Nordic release, but for me this is a good measure better than the rest of the line. Big fan! 🥃

[@whiskyguidedog6558]

The hardest working man in Maltywood! Now I'm tempted to pull the trigger. Get yee behind me Maltan!

[@Gwhisky]

Hah thanks buddy! Cheers!

[@liamjay6181]

Hey bro, I’m a new subscriber here. Out of all the other similar channels out there reviewing whiskey’s. This is by far my most favorite of them all. Straight to the point and I feel like this is well thought of and put together very nicely. I appreciate you for putting this together. 👏🏼

[@Gwhisky]

Really love reading supportive comments like this, Liam. Glad you're digging the content and flattered that you've got such kind words for the channel. Cheers buddy.

[@sunryse111]

Another one on my "bucket list", Geoff. Good start to the year, too. Slainte! 🥃🥃🥃

[@Gwhisky]

Cheers Victor! It's a challenging one, but quite rewarding and good value. Hope you enjoy! 🥃

[@80Tamiya]

thx for the review Geoff. Just cracked my first bottle. Agree with everything you said - its good stuff... very good in fact. If I were ever to describe a whisky as "rich" (in flavour) this would be it. Reminds me of GS Victorian (54.2% bottling) but softer and more balanced. As others have said this is so well priced - in my market I got this for $125 AUD which is equal to the likes of Bunna 12 and less than Oban 14. Great value. Cheers buddy 🍻

[@Gwhisky]

Glad you're liking it, man! Not a bad price either (for Australia, that is). Enjoy! 🥃

[@Bowman1999]

Ok I admit I need help! I love the flavor profile of this Scotch. In fact it might be my favorite whisky of 2022. Definitely top 5 of last year. Full disclosure though this is the only Loch Lomond I’ve had. I’ve heard many pros & cons about LL. Bought it after tasting a sample of a previous batch and couldn’t be happier with it. Probably the best value 18 I’ve seen in awhile, $74 USD in my market. Happy New Year, Geoff.

[@EuropaWill]

Very nice review first review of 2023, G. Happy New Year! I'm a big fan of Loch Lomond. The LL18 is what I'd call a challenging whiskey, its not going to be for everyone with lots of odd elements all amped up. Not a whisky for the masses. Though I would say it is certainly a flavor bomb for when you are bored with understated scotch. There is a ton going on and i'm not often in the mood for it but it isn't boring by any stretch! It is certainly deserving of your score, or even higher IMO. If you haven't tried the NAS "Original" expression please do. It's not challenging at all and its surprisingly well put together and likely best represents the distillery's house style profile with the least cask influence since its mostly 5-8 years old. I have Original, 12 and 18 in my collection and although there is definitely a familial "progression" in some respects, they are all quite different with what seems to be very different "purposes in life". From my experience the 12 needs some water to open up.

[@Gwhisky]

Happy New Year! I'll have to look around for the NAS Original release. It's hard to come by here but you're not the first person to recommend it. Cheers buddy, appreciate the suggestion!

[@EuropaWill]

@@Gwhisky Cheers buddy!

[@DJMJRyder]

You need to try the 12 Inchmoan, it is excellent! It's "heavily peated" but it loses a lot of the depth of peat from tall stills, but it maintains the breadth of peat flavours.... Much like how Bruichladdich's tall stills effect Port Charlotte and Octomore

[@Gwhisky]

Sounds interesting! I don't see much Inchmoan, but I'll have to give it a try next time I do. Appreciate the recommendation! 🥃

[@peathead4450]

Happy New Year, Geoff. A great start of the new year. I do like the Loch Lomond .... and yes, I do love the industrial dirty notes on Loch Lomond. You cover more or less all there is to say, so a great review. Only thing I can probably add, is that it's not a beginners whisky. Slàinte mhath

[@Gwhisky]

Hah definitely agree with that. I'm sure this profile would not work for the uninitiated! Cheers Frank!

[@TheReal_DeanD]

Nice, honest and fun review as usual. This Loch Lomond is on my wishlist. Luckily it is readily available at $100 US. For an 18 year old single malt that is good pricing nowadays in my area. Springbank 18 year was $233 USD and it sold out completely

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah Loch Lomond is very fairly priced in most markets. Add to that the fact that it's challenging, unique, and really fun... it's a winner in my book! 🥃

[@WhiskyLoversSociety]

Indeed a good distillery. Happy new year

[@Gwhisky]

Happy New Year to you too, and again, congrats on the 1k subs! Keep the great vids coming! 🥃

[@hordeum-vulgare]

I got this for $100 Australian, which is around $50 cheaper than most 18 Year Olds. Not everyone is on Loch Lomond's wavelength, I understand that, but I happen to be. Lots of barky wood spice, tangy orange, with some aromatic sap. If it's your wheelhouse, this is a great 18 YO for the money.

[@Gwhisky]

Agree, it's a love-it-or-hate-it profile. But if you can get behind it, it's a seriously good value whisky! 🥃

[@josephweiss2271]

The Whiskey Exchange concurs with you.

[@graham2954]

For me, this is in the same bucket as Glen Moray 18. Decent enough and another 18 on the shelf.

[@HarunKlinkenberg]

I did tried alot Loch Lomonds. The 18 will always be replaced, Sometimes I buy the 12. the peated Loch Lomonds are not for me. They have excellent single cask bottles, those are the real gems. Here in Norway it is a challenge to drink whisky with the prices nowadays. Even the Loch Lomonds are getting ridiculous prices now, Happy New year. Great channel.

[@Gwhisky]

Happy New Year and thanks for watching! 🥃

[@brentmurphy8085]

This was an awesome review, I couldn’t agree more with your tasting notes I really love whiskeys like this. Great job keep it up.

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks Brent! Appreciate the kind words! 🥃

[@lightplays2181]

I love Loch Lomond 12 , very nice whisky . Slainte !

[@Gwhisky]

Glad you enjoy it, buddy! Cheers! 🥃

[@davidowen2834]

Hi Geoff, I’ll be popping my loch Lomand 18 this year, It’s been waiting patiently for a couple of years now. It is for an 18 year old malt a decent price. Good review Geoff, slàinte

[@Gwhisky]

I don't know if your bottle will be similar to this one, as mine was bought quite recently, but I'm sure it'll be good stuff. Cheers David. I'll be curious to hear your thoughts on this when you go ahead and pop it! 🥃

[@ConcaCon]

Happy New Year to you! I have a Loch Lomond Special Edition 10yo whisky that was made for the Dutch retailer DrankDrozijn. That one is at 40%, matured in ex-bourbon, refill and recharred oak, and even at 40% I really like this stuff. I've been looking for other Loch Lomonds and 18s in general, and I think the price is very fair (~63 EUR). I may give both this and the Glen Moray and AnCnoc 18 a shot.

[@Gwhisky]

Happy New Year! I think for the price it's worth giving this one a shot. It's an oddball, but as long as you can get along with the flavours I'm sure you'll be very happy with it from a value perspective. Good stuff! 🥃

[@Sharpy011]

Hi Geoff, loving the channel! Would you consider doing a video on your top recommended cask strength whiskies?

[@Gwhisky]

That sounds like a great idea! 🥃

[@sinemetu1040]

Great review as always. Just saw this today at a local shop and was surprised to see the low price. Needless to say I was skeptical, but now after your review I think I’ll give it a shot. Also, which would you purchase? Glenlivet 18 or this?

[@Gwhisky]

Glenlivet 18, if you can still find the 43% version. Otherwise, this. Thanks for watching! 🥃

[@dairyyang5457]

Haven't tried any of Loch Lomond product. With that price and character, will definitely give it a go! Nice vid as always, cheers!🍺

[@Gwhisky]

It's quite weird. I don't know if you'd like it, but worth trying for the price! 🥃

[@HerbertDuckshort]

The Loch Lomond Distillery resembles an oil refinery.

[@marclambert8596]

Though I love the funky & industrial, I generally prefer the more peated Inchmoan. FYI I found this LL 18 super weird and disappointing for the first third of the bottle and then discovered an enormous improvement unlike any I’ve experienced before after I decanted half the remaining bottle to compare - and it improved for a couple months before stabilizing at a MUCH better place.

[@Gwhisky]

I liked mine pretty much out the gate, but if it continues to improve that will be very welcome indeed! I'll have to try some Inchmoan at some point, that's the Loch Lomond line I'm least familiar with. Cheers Marc! 🥃

[@howardbecdove9780]

I’ve only recently opened this bottle. I’ve had several of the 12s. I bought both of them based on value. I don’t think I’d go back to the 12 for a while, but look forward to seeing how the 18 develops. Your review makes me hopeful. You know what? I wish I could figure out why you can love a dram one day, then wonder what you saw in it on another - or vice versa. I know the whisky can can change on opening, but I’ve gone back to a whisky next day that I loved, and found it wasn’t the same experience, or blown away by something that I thought was just ordinary.

[@Gwhisky]

Can't tell you how many times that's happened to me. Some whiskies are very consistent and often deliver the same (or at least very similar) quality and experience. Others are a rollercoaster and you never know what's in store every time you pop the cap. Mood, time of day, what you've eaten... I'm sure there are countless factors. 🥃

[@yoursinsincerely39]

For those who have read and loved Tintin growing up (like me), this must have been one of the first single malt scotches we have tried. The elixir of choice for Captain Haddock. It was, to put it mildly, extremely forgettable, until the last few years. I am not a big fan of the 12. The 14 is good as a unique regular sipper. I really like the 18 as well. A lot of their unique profile might have to do with their famous "Loch lomond stills". Vaguely reminiscent of Scapa. This, along with Deanston 18 might be the best budget banger 18's on the market right now. I do prefer the Deanston 18. But this one has a unique signature, which is quite enjoyable. By the way, some of those industrial, fusile notes you mentioned are quite accurate. And at the risk of committing whisky blasphemy, I would add that it reminds me of Brora, albeit a vastly less nuanced and integrated, but it definitely does. Happy new year buddy. May 2023 shower you with endless drams of joy! Cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

Sounds like we're on the same wavelength with this one (and most of the LL line, it seems). Agree that this and Deanston are top contenders for bang-for-buck 18s right now. Brora you say? I'm calling the police. 😂 Cheers buddy. A (very late) Happy New Year to you, too. 🥃

[@DileepB]

Love this review. Found this whisky for $75 yesterday and bought it. I guess i made a good decision!

[@Gwhisky]

Good price. Hope you enjoy! 🥃

[@Vas1984]

I like the look of the bottle

[@pieterkok7486]

thanks for the review; how would you compare this with the Ledaig?

[@Gwhisky]

Ledaig is an all-time-favourite 18, so it's honestly not that close. 🥃

[@grantkahale8933]

Hey G, great review! I just tried the 18 and loved it. Are there other whiskys with a similar style of taste you can recommend? Cheers G.

[@Gwhisky]

Unfortunately, there are few whiskies out there that I would compare to this. It's a very unique brand! Some other "dirty" whiskies would be Springbank (expensive), Craigellachie, Edradour, and Ben Nevis. Hope that helps! 🥃

[@tomtomtommyism]

Hey Geoff 1) how much would you score this now? 2) what date orfrom which review did you change your marking system? thanks again for the channel!

[@Gwhisky]

I'd probably score it lower, as I had a second bottle that I enjoyed less. But that was also an older bottle with the older label. I've heard the newer ones are better. One I intend to come back to when I see the newer version. As for what date? I don't know. I gradually started scoring lower and lower and when I looked back on my old reviews I realized how generous I was being, so I made the call to standardize things about 2 points lower. Ball park... about 1.5 years ago. I should have kept track of that.

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

There's a certain beloved Whisky Influencer who lives on a Rock in the Irish Sea, who shall remain nameless, who hasn't had very many kind words for Loch Lomond over the years. Fair enough. That being said, Loch Lomond, to quote our friend Tim from The Single Malt Review channel, is "The Willie Wonka" of distilleries. Google some vids about their Loch Lomond Distillery, and you'll quickly see that they do things differently. Loch Lomand Original was a banger of an entry-level malt when it could be found under $25 not too long ago, but it's biggest problem was that Loch Lomond 12 usually only cost a few bucks more, I can get it for $30, and it is far superior. Loch Lomond 12's biggest problem is that certain folks approach it thinking it's cheap or inferior because of its affordability; but I'd be willing to wager that blind in the glass, it's complex, dirty, fantastic stuff regardless of price. And as Geoff states, this 18 is in every way better. I think it's darker, smokier, more layered, and just about the best value in Single Malt if you can find it for about $70✌️ Is it the poor man's Springbank, or the wise man's Springbank? 🤔

[@Gwhisky]

Very well said, Chris. It's a great alternative to Springbank at half the cost, so I'll go with wise. 😉

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

@@Gwhisky Thanks Geoff ✌️

[@justincase5124]

Let's be honest...Ralphy has led many sheep away from Loch Lomond. If he turns around and praises LL12 watch everyone in his comments section change their tune and say how much they love LL!!! His subscribers are 60% sheep!

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

@@justincase5124 If it's only 60%, then that's better than the General Public which I figure to be at least 73% Sheeple 😷 I like the guy, I'm a longtime Malt Mate, I've learned a lot from him, tend to agree with him, and I'd rather watch his vids than just about anything on TV...but nobody's perfect ✌️

[@justincase5124]

@@MrChristopherMolloy Yeah I watch Ralphy too. Sometimes he just goes off against a brand for subjective reasons......he smashed a brand a month or so ago cos of the box....he threw it on the floor! Can't remember which distillery...have to check.

[@momentsinlove4525]

Happy new year G! Can you put the price that you paid for the bottle in your vides? As the prices are quite different depends on the locations, it will much helpful for the watchers to get the idea from your ‘Value’ part of the review.

[@johnzajac9849]

Check out Ralfy's 2022 re-review of the LL18.

[@jackthepickledhound]

I found the 18 to be a very nice pour. It's younger brother was a bit more rough and tumble.

[@precariousdave]

Poor or pourable? Think you need to clarify.

[@jackthepickledhound]

@@precariousdave I don't know how I continued my journey after the 12. My wife tried a sip and thought I was nuts. I still have that bottle and it's mellowed quite a bit. Or my palate can deal with it now and I don't invite my wife to try anything. Not sure if I'd replace the 18 or the Tomatin 18 which are both affordable, decent 18's. I like to drink 18 year old malt but...$$$

[@osirisgolad]

I've found that the 18 has drastically improved with each batch, it was pretty unimpressive just a few years ago. Can't really complain at that price and with such prime uvula-fondling filth to be had. I've often wondered what would happen if you put the Loch Lomond distillate into a champagne cask. For some reason that question always pops into my head while I'm drinking a Loch Lomond.

[@Gwhisky]

Champaigne cask sounds kind of interesting. The bright winey flavours might be a nice counterbalance to the heavier industrial notes. Cool idea!

[@Yong_Goh]

Have you tried the Inchmurrin? An unpeated and sweeter and oaky style of LL.

[@Gwhisky]

I've tried the 18, and I prefer thebstandard Loch Lomond to be honest. 🥃

[@dextercool]

I like this focus on 18 year olds!

[@Gwhisky]

A few more 18s will be covered in the coming months! 🥃

[@ravakano]

Good review :)

[@Gwhisky]

Thank you so much! 🥃

[@zoltanlakoyt8665]

No thank you. I don’t like this. I only like their 150th Open Edition NAS and 21 years old. Also the fact that they don’t tell what kind of casks they used to mature and finish is just hideous….I prefer transparency. Great video again mate. Happy New Year!🎉

[@Gwhisky]

Hah fair enough. Definitely not for everyone... I'll be the first to admit it's a weirdo! Cheers man, thanks for watching! 🥃

[@simongilbert2704]

must try this one ,, here in the uk it costs just under 80 pounds , and it comes in a clear bottle , not that horrid green thing .

[@Gwhisky]

Not a bad price! Worth trying! 🥃

[@alexandermitev5189]

the LL 18 is my whisky of the year 2022 (the newest version) :) U should check out the newest version as well i think its even better than this one! :)

[@Gwhisky]

I'll be on the lookout for a newer version. Sounds great. Cheers! 🥃

[@helljumper5586]

How do you know what engine oil tastes like to get those notes in a whisky? ;)

[@Gwhisky]

Smell and taste are closely linked. Easy to relate a flavour to something you've smelled.

[@helljumper5586]

@@Gwhisky fair enough. I never get any of those notes you talk about in the whiskies beyond the general sweet, smoky, medicinal, sherry etc

[@ninetyZeven]

H N Yr !

[@Gwhisky]

Happy New Year to you too! 🥃🎉

[@jamesnorwood4084]

You mean distinguishing between rags soaked in 3 in One oil and say ah nondescript machine oil? Either way ... sounds very inviting, though albeit an acquired taste

[@jimmyjazz4605]

Have you tried the Inchmurrin though? My partner brought it home from Scotland for me! Can't find it in Aus.

[@Gwhisky]

I've tried the 18, yes. I... wasn't a fan I'm sorry to say. I found it too oaky. Hopefully you'll have better luck with it! 😬

[@jimmyjazz4605]

@@Gwhisky Same 😂

[@primewhisky]

Great video👍🏻 Would you say it is better than the Glenlivet 18y, best priced 18y in Sweden(that is descent)?

[@Gwhisky]

Nah I LOVE the Glenlivet 18, although I'm still drinking the discontinued 43% version. I can't bring myself to buy the 40% one...

[@bannedcommander2932]

The Loch Lomond 18 has flavor, I'll give it that. But that flavor is presented with the subtlety of a shotgun to the face. Rough and dirty as hell in spite of the age, and while it has great complexity, it comes across as a bit confused to me. It's definitely not my favorite, but at least it's something different.

[@vimalrajkappil]

Glen Deveron 16 Vs Longmorn 16 Vs Glenmorangy 16 .. Which one is best in your opinion ??

[@precariousdave]

Longmorn, all day long.

[@Gwhisky]

I'll second that. Longmorn, all day long. 🥃

[@precariousdave]

Had a bottle of this bought in October 2021 and finished it by June 2022. I put it in a blind tasting with/against Deanston 18, Springbank 18 and Caol Ila 18 with pals. It came fourth for all tasters. I'm not replacing it, despite affordability. "Can't tease the flavours out" - is possibly a sign of integration?

[@Gwhisky]

Fair enough. It's a weirdo by any measure. And to be honest, I like most of those more than this 18 anyway. The Deanston I might even prefer blind as it has more conventional appeal. Cheers Dave!

[@davidm_shaw]

FWIW, I read in the comments on another LL18 review (probably Ralfy’s) that the 18y/o is in fact natural colour. Apparently it appears by law on bottles sold in the EU. Perhaps someone else here might confirm this?

[@Gwhisky]

That could be! If that's the case, why wouldn't they want to advertise that? Always baffles me when naturally coloured whiskies don't say so... Cheers!

[@davidm_shaw]

@@Gwhisky totally agree! It’s bemusing. Cheers to you!

[@trapperkcmo3460]

its hard to find this kind of bang for your buck. i think that trend will continue. stock up

[@Gwhisky]

Indeed! 🥃

[@canal-do-guga-namura]

I believe it’s natural color. It’s on their website

[@Gwhisky]

It's coloured, but non-chill filtered, according to their brand rep. The website doesn't mention colour. 🥃

[@canal-do-guga-namura]

@@Gwhisky I may have some old info then. I heard for example that bottles in Germany (where it's required to state in the bottle if they artificial coloring) don't display any information regarding e150 use. You're right, their website doesn't say anything anymore. Man, artificial coloring is lame... Why God, Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy?!

[@danrdey]

IMO Loch Lomond Inchmoan 14 is just better , needless to say cheaper .

[@rares_21]

Good news from Loch lomond website: "To allow the whisky’s natural characteristics to shine through, our 18 year old is free from caramel colouring and chill filtration".

[@Gwhisky]

Awesome! 🥃

[@allanwhittle3041]

Must admit Mr G Not massively impressed with the 18 …To me , to my taste , it’s ok a smidge better than the 12 , but why bother ,the 12 is fine for sensible money , the 18 ..I emphasise IMO ..not worth it Lots of better stuff than this out there for less ££👍 But as always it’s all about personal taste Thanks as always for the views / reviews 🥃

[@Gwhisky]

You're not alone in thinking so, Allan. I find it to be quite a dramatic step up, but as you said, matter of taste. Cheers my friend! 🥃

[@ninetyZeven]

Your opinions on bottle look / presentation I feel can be a little random, @GWhisk.

[@Gwhisky]

Hah agree.

[@tonynoto9232]

Can't tell whether this is a positive review or a negative one.

[@Gwhisky]

Mostly positive.

[@andyking894]

What did the bottle styling ever do to you to be so harsh? I'm getting help for my oily rag fetish, perhaps you should seek help for your bottle-hating. I'm worried about you, son. 😁🥃

[@Gwhisky]

😂😂😂

[@daveandrews5485]

Pronounced Loch Lowmond low like below… 👍🏻

[@samssinglemalt4079]

To me is provably the worst whisky I can remember. Really bad experience and I finished drinking it with ginger, lemon and honey. On the other hand one of my very favorite whisky is Inchmurrin 18 from the same brand ( different origin)

[@cliffnorman178]

I guess that after your Bruichladdich Classic Laddie scenario, where only the bottle is great, it is going to be difficult for you to review other whiskies. 🤔

[@Gwhisky]

Nope. Pretty easy, actually.