Lochlea

Lochlea is a relatively new name in Scotch whisky, but one with deep roots in Scotland’s agricultural and cultural heritage. Located in Ayrshire in the Lowlands, Lochlea Distillery occupies land that was once the farm of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, who lived and worked there between 1777 and 1784. This connection to Burns, along with a strong focus on provenance and sustainability, is at the heart of Lochlea’s identity.

The distillery was founded in 2018 by Neil McGeoch, a local farmer with a vision to produce whisky entirely from barley grown on the estate. Unlike many newer distilleries that source grain from various suppliers, Lochlea is fully estate-grown, every drop of whisky begins with barley cultivated in its own fields. This farm-to-bottle philosophy ensures traceability and a unique connection between the land, the grain, and the final spirit.

Production is led by John Campbell, former Laphroaig Distillery Manager, who brings decades of whisky-making expertise to Lochlea. Campbell’s approach combines traditional Lowland spirit character, typically light, grassy, and floral, with a fuller body and flavour complexity achieved through careful fermentation and distillation management.

The distillery uses traditional copper pot stills, with long fermentations to encourage the development of fruity esters. The new-make spirit is notably weighty for a Lowland malt, giving it excellent potential for both short and long maturation. Casks are matured on-site, taking advantage of Ayrshire’s relatively mild, maritime-influenced climate.

Flavour-wise, Lochlea single malts typically display fresh apple and pear, sweet malt, honey, vanilla, and a subtle earthiness from the estate-grown barley. Depending on the cask influence, additional layers of dried fruit, spice, chocolate, or red berry notes may emerge. The balance of fruitiness and weight sets Lochlea apart from many other Lowland whiskies, which tend towards lighter styles.

The distillery’s sustainable approach extends beyond barley cultivation. Lochlea integrates responsible farming practices, including soil regeneration and biodiversity support, and aims to minimise its environmental footprint throughout production. Its small scale and hands-on production ensure close attention to detail at every stage.

Though still in its early years, Lochlea has made a significant impact in the whisky world, earning praise from critics and collectors alike. Its combination of place-driven authenticity, experienced leadership, and high-quality spirit positions it as one of Scotland’s most promising young distilleries.

Our Lochlea selection includes the flagship ‘Our Barley’ and seasonal releases, offering a chance to explore this farm-to-bottle Lowland malt from its earliest chapters. Whether you’re drawn by the Robert Burns connection, the focus on provenance, or the fresh and characterful spirit, Lochlea represents the next generation of Scotch whisky, rooted in tradition, but with its eyes firmly on the future.