Loch Lomond unveils Waypoint Series

Scotch producer Loch Lomond has launched a new whisky range, distilled exclusively in swan neck stills and finished in Cognac casks.

Titled The Waypoint Series, the range is inspired by the distillery’s setting in Scotland and its close proximity to The Trossachs National Park. Each whisky represents a significant ‘waypoint’ in the park.

The first expression in the series represents the Falls of Falloch, where a ‘roaring’ waterfall passes through the Glen of Falloch.

Master distiller Michael Henry said he was inspired by the waterfall’s power and beauty, and the ‘desire for exploration’ by travellers who make the journey through one of the Trossachs’ ‘most extraordinary’ areas.

He explained: “The Waypoint Series captures our eternal desire to push boundaries, and will explore the remarkable places that surround our unique distillery. We are fortunate to live in a place world famous for its beauty and possibilities for adventure. It is a location which has drawn generations of explorers, driven to uncover new experiences.

“Loch Lomond Distillery captures this spirit in everything that we do. We respect but are not beholden to tradition as we navigate our own path to freely explore flavour in our own way. This is what it means to be Scotland’s most agile and adept Scotch distillery.”

Loch Lomond claims to be the only distillery in Scotland to house both traditional swan neck stills and its unique straight neck stills, the former of which has been used exclusively in the distillation of this particular release.

The first Waypoint whisky offers notes of soft citrus and honey blossom on the nose, and stewed apple on the palate, which continues with honeysuckle and honey blossom. The year spent finishing in Cognac casks brings oak notes to the fore.

Expanding on the whisky’s flavour and its creation, Henry added: “We open the Waypoint Series with a remarkable 16-year-old single malt distilled exclusively in our swan neck stills and matured in three kinds of ex-Bourbon American oak casks before finishing its flavour journey for 12 months in ex-Cognac barrels.

“There are so many layers to this whisky. There is depth in every drop, with each one bringing a different dimension to the collective character.”

The 16-year-old is presented in a box that is illustrated with artwork by Welsh illustrator Brett Breckon. Breckon’s work is said to convey a ‘mythical journey’ through dense trees, fauna and flora to the Falls of Falloch.

Bottled at 46.2% ABV, it can be picked up for £82 (US$106).

In what’s been a strong year of releases for Loch Lomond, the company drew from its oldest reserve to bottle a 50-year-old single malt, and it also created its first non-alcoholic ‘spirit’, based on its Ben Lomond gin.

It was recently listed as a donor for next year’s Distillers One of One charity auction, set to return on 10 October 2025.

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Author: Rupert Hohwieler