Loch Lomond isn’t the loudest name in Scotch, but that might be part of the appeal. Tucked into the southern edge of the Highlands, this distillery has been quietly doing things its own way for years. Their 12-Year-Old single malt—aptly titled “Perfectly Balanced”—lands right in the sweet spot: age-stated, reasonably priced, and just interesting enough to keep you coming back to the glass.
Loch Lomond 12-Year-Old Composition and Proof
- Mashbill: 100% malted barley
- Age: 12 years
- Barrels: First-fill, refill, and re-charred American oak
- ABV: 46% (92 proof)
- Filtration: Non-chill filtered
- Still Type: Swan neck and straight neck stills with copper plates
- Peat Level: Light smoke from ~5% peated malt
Background
Loch Lomond Distillery sits in Alexandria, not far from the loch itself. It opened in the 1960s, but the brand’s roots stretch back much further. Today, it’s part of the Loch Lomond Group, a vertically integrated operation that also owns Glen Scotia (read our review of Glen Scotia’s 10-Year-Old here)and runs its own cooperage and bottling line. In a Scotch industry filled with outsourcing, Loch Lomond handles the whole process in-house. That’s rare.
They’ve also got a unique setup when it comes to distillation. Most Scotch distilleries stick to traditional swan neck pot stills. Loch Lomond uses those too—but they also run straight neck stills fitted with copper plates, which gives them an extra level of control. It’s technical, but it works. The result is a single malt that’s clean, consistent, and layered without being overthought.
They don’t stop at distillation. Their cooperage team, one of only a few in Scotland still doing the work on-site, checks and reconditions over 30,000 casks a year. That kind of detail shows up in the whisky. You’re not just tasting the spirit—you’re tasting the decisions they made every step of the way.
This 12-Year-Old release is a good entry point. There’s some fruit, a little vanilla, a touch of smoke. It’s dialed in but still friendly, and it never leans into anything too trendy or polarizing. Just solid whisky, done well.
Loch Lomond 12-Year-Old Review
This is a no-nonsense bottle. Tall, clean, minimal fuss. The label design is straightforward, with a copper-toned logo that nods to the stills inside the distillery. It doesn’t scream “collectible,” and that’s kind of the point. It looks like what it is: a bottle you’re meant to open and enjoy, not admire behind glass.
Nose
Right off the pour, you get pear and stone fruit—fresh, not overly ripe—followed by vanilla and light honey. There’s a wisp of smoke if you go looking for it, and a hint of dried spices. Nothing jumps out too loudly, but everything’s in its place.
Score: 7.8
Palate and Finish
If you think peaty scotches are too overpowering, but like the flavor in small doses, this one is for you. Clean and slightly oily. Citrus and chocolate show up first, along with oak and a bit of toasted cereal. The smoke is subtle but lingers just long enough to give it depth. The finish isn’t flashy, but it holds its structure and fades evenly.
Score: 8.8
Value
At around 60 bucks, Loch Lomond 12 sits comfortably in that “reach for it again” tier. It’s not trying to win awards at every turn—it’s trying to be something you’d open on a weeknight and feel good about. That’s exactly what it delivers.
You’re getting age, non-chill filtration, a thoughtful barrel mix, and a distillery that actually knows how to use its equipment. No gimmicks. No trendy secondary finishes. Just well-made single malt with a distinct regional identity. If you’ve been drinking Glenfiddich 12 or Glenlivet and want to branch out into something with a little more texture and edge, this is a smart next step.
Score: 8.0
Bourbon Dose Final Score
Loch Lomond 12-Year-Old isn’t going to blow the doors off with smoke or cask theatrics—and that’s its strength. It stays focused. You get the orchard fruit and honey you’d expect from a Highland, but there’s more behind it: clean citrus, mild spice, a touch of peat smoke used like a seasoning instead of a headline.
Is this a bottle I’d replace? Absolutely. It’s versatile, reliable, and easy to recommend. It won’t dominate a tasting lineup, but it might quietly be the one you finish first. That’s worth something. Give it a try.
Final Verdict: 8.2
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Loch Lomond Scotch any good?
Yes. It’s one of the most technically capable distilleries in Scotland and was named IWSC’s 2024 Scotch Producer of the Year. Their 12-Year is a great balance of price, age, and flavor.
What does Loch Lomond 12 taste like?
It’s light on the smoke, heavy on orchard fruits like pear and peach, with hints of vanilla, lemon, and biscuit. Clean and structured, not overly sweet.
Is Loch Lomond 12 peated?
Only a little. Around 5% of the whisky used is peated. The smoke is subtle and used to enhance—not dominate—the flavor.
Where is Loch Lomond whisky made?
In Alexandria, Scotland, near the southern Highlands. It’s one of the only distilleries using both traditional and straight neck stills.
How much is Loch Lomond 12-Year?
Around $59.99 at retail. It’s often available online and through U.S. retailers thanks to distribution via Foley Family Wines & Spirits.
Is Loch Lomond chill filtered?
No. The 12-Year-Old is non-chill filtered and bottled at 92 proof, so the mouthfeel is preserved and flavor isn’t stripped out.
What makes Loch Lomond different?
They distill, mature, and bottle everything in-house. They even run their own cooperage. That level of control shows up in the glass.
