Lochindaal 16yo The Old Smithy

Lochindaal 16yo The Old Smithy

Region: Islay

ABV: 55.8%

Price: £100.00

For those unfamiliar, Lochindaal was a heavily peated single malt produced by Bruichladdich. With a peat level of approximately 50 parts per million (ppm), it sits between Bruichladdich’s Port Charlotte expressions and their Octomore range. The name “Lochindaal” pays tribute to a historic distillery that operated in the village of Port Charlotte on Islay from 1829 until its closure in 1929.

This release was distilled in December 2007, matured in a Chateau Climens Sauternes cask, and bottled in 2024 for The Old Smithy label by The Wright Wine Company in Skipton, Yorkshire. A total of 270 bottles were produced. Currently sold out but more might be released this month.

Nose

On the nose, there are notes of cashew nuts, melted butter on crumpets, and savoury plain hand-cooked crisps, complemented by peaches, orange peel, sea spray, and gingerbread. There’s less peat than we expected, and we’re finding that it doesn’t nose its ABV.

Palate

On the palate, flavours of lemon juice, orange marmalade, and sweet peaches come forward, giving it a tropical fruit juice character. A hint of peat appears as a charred, earthy note. The mouthfeel is slightly syrupy, with a spicy finish with the sweetness linger throughout.

Nose (with water)

With water, the nose reveals a bit more spice and treacle, while losing many of the savoury and fruity notes. There’s an increase in brown sugar, caramel, and strawberry dessert sauce. It’s developed a slight sherry-like character. Subtle smoke lingers in the background, and the alcohol becomes more noticeable.

Palate (with water)

With water, the palate gains a little more peat, along with notes of orange peel, honey, golden syrup, and caramel. There’s more spice present, with a touch of bitterness on the finish reminiscent of dark chocolate. The mouthfeel remains satisfying.

Conclusion

This is a good dram, with less peat and a more savory, slightly less sweet profile compared to the other sister casks we’ve tried. Personally, we prefer the Cadenhead release bottled for the Malts Festival 2023, but that said, this one is still worth trying.

Score: 8/10

Value

Given it was only £100, we're gutted that we missed out on a bottle.

• 10 - Perfection. One in a million
• 9 - Outstanding. Exceptional whisky.
• 8 - Great. Would seek this out.
• 7 - Good. Quality whisky.
• 6 - Above average. Happy to have a dram.
• 5 - Average. Drinkable whisky.
• 4 - Below average. Passable.
• 3 - Flawed. Noticeable negatives.
• 2 - Defective. Significant faults.
• 1 - Offensive. Pour it out.

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