As Loch Lomond recently released its ninth Distillery Edition, we are a little late, and try the Loch Lomond Distillery Edition #6. As a sparring partner, we’ve added a Croftengea 2006 from The Whisky Agency. Loch Lomond has been quite active these last few months, making the news a number of times, for instance with the opening of its new multi-million-pound Luss Distillery and visitor centre on the banks of Loch Lomond in October 2025. The new complex serves as a brand home for Loch Lomond whiskies, offers guided tours, tastings, and houses a gin distillery for their Ben Lomond brand. The facility aims to draw tourists and whisky enthusiasts to the region and showcases Loch Lomond’s portfolio, including Glen Scotia and Littlemill single malts. Loch Lomond Group also expanded into American whiskey this year with the acquisition of the New York Distilling Company. All the while continuing to release good whisky. But for now, let’s focus on these two: the Loch Lomond Distillery Edition #6 and the Croftengea 2006 The Whisky Agency.
Loch Lomond Distillery Edition #6 (2023) Review
Loch Lomond Distillery Edition #6 is an 8-year-old unpeated blend composed entirely of malted barley. This release combines 20% unpeated 10-year-old single malt whisky (from Loch Lomond’s straight-neck stills, matured in first-fill bourbon barrels) with 80% unpeated single grain whisky (of varying ages between 8 and 14 years, distilled from 100% malted barley in copper column stills and matured in both first- and second-fill bourbon barrels). Michael Henry crafted this edition to showcase the versatility of the distillery. The whisky is bottled at cask strength (56.9% ABV), non-chill filtered, with natural colour. Only 400 bottles were released in March 2023, and this edition is now sold out.
Colour:
Pale gold.
Nose:
Neat: Bright tropical fruits leap from the glass, led by mango, pineapple, and guava, complemented by lively rum-like esters. A playful confectionery side brings the aromas of foam bananas and tropical jelly beans. Subtle varnish hints at the column-distilled base, yet balance is maintained. Notes of vanilla and light wood.
With water: Reduction introduces a floral edge alongside ivy and an extra dose of pineapple in syrup.
Palate:
Neat: The palate bursts with pineapple, maracuja, and lime, backed by a vibrant pepper that enhances the fruitiness. The mouthfeel is syrupy and coating, with just a touch of astringency. Layers of honey, vanilla, toffee, and milk chocolate complete the profile.
With water: A few drops intensify all existing flavours, with cereals – particularly cornflakes – now joining the mix. Some gentle bitterness appears toward the finish.
Finish:
Peppery milk chocolate lingers, joined by pineapple fruit jelly for a pleasing close.
Comments:
Loch Lomond offers a lovely single blend with abundant tropical fruits, which usually hits the spot for me. While this Loch Lomond doesn’t quite reach perfection and maybe lacks some complexity and depth – staying nearly mono-dimensional – it remains a very good whisky. Many thanks to Ainsley Fife from Dramface for providing the sample. I highly recommend reading his excellent article on this whisky.
Rating: 7/10
Croftengea 2006 The Whisky Agency (2025) Review
Next, we have a Croftengea 2006 bottled by The Whisky Agency in 2025. This is a 19-year-old single malt matured in a Tawny Port barrique. It is bottled at 49.5% ABV, with natural colour and no chill filtration. This release was limited to 162 bottles. This is, unfortunately, also sold out.
Colour:
Tawny.
Nose:
Neat: The port barrel influence strikes immediately, bringing a musty character with mushrooms and faint struck match notes. Light peat smoke accompanies a rich bouquet of tobacco leaves, cured leather, and hints of marmite. You’ll also find the aromas of fermenting grapes and peppery strawberry jam.
With water: Adding water brings out a little more smoke and dusty book scents, while the other notes remain steady.
Palate:
Neat: The palate starts lighter than expected compared to the Loch Lomond Distillery Edition, but quickly builds intensity. Peat and smoke are far more pronounced, balanced by tawny port-induced winey notes of plums, raisins, and port wine. There are also overripe bananas, leather, and a subtle flinty edge.
With water: Water amplifies pepper and the port influence, bringing the palate closer to the nose with musty, tobacco, marmite, and fermenting grape flavours.
Finish:
Warm, spicy, and smoky, with the richness of port lingering in the background.
Comments:
This Croftengea is a whole different whisky compared to the Loch Lomond Distillery Edition. Even with a strong port influence, the Croftengea spirit stays front and centre, showing off its lovely smokiness – though it offers less fruit than usual. Its age hasn’t mellowed the smoke, and the port barrique adds unique mushrooms and musty notes that give this Croftengea 2006 from The Whisky Agency its own intriguing character.
Rating: 7/10
Big thanks to Ainsley Fife from Dramface for the Loch Lomond sample!