Thompson Brothers Loch Lomond 2022 Release (700ml x 2)

A pair of Thompson Brothers Loch Lomond 2022 Release

Thompson Brothers Loch Lomond 2006 16 Year Old Croftengea 2022 Release (700ml, 50%)

Thompson Brothers Loch Lomond 2012 10 Year Old Inchmurrin 2022 Release (700ml, 53.7%)

Loch Lomond is the "Swiss Army Knife" of distilleries, and the Thompson Brothers are masters at picking out the most eccentric tools from their kit. These two 2022 releases represent the opposite ends of the Loch Lomond spectrum: one is a "dirty," industrial peat monster, while the other is a tropical, fruit-forward unpeated malt

Tasting Notes

Thompson Brothers Loch Lomond 16 Year Old (Croftengea)

Distilled 2006 | Bottled 2022 | 50% ABV

Croftengea is the name given to Loch Lomond’s most heavily peated style, typically distilled using their unique straight-neck pot stills. This 2006 vintage was matured for 16 years in a Refill Hogshead, a choice that allows the raw, idiosyncratic character of the spirit to shine without being masked by heavy wood. Bottled at 50% by the Thompson Brothers, it is a quirky, coastal, and unashamedly "funky" peat expression.

• Nose: An industrial and farmyard mash-up. Diesel smoke, wet wool, and smoldering heather are balanced by lemon peel and brined green olives.

• Palate: The texture is oily and "fat." Notes of charred pineapple meet ashy soot and white pepper. There is a distinct mineral saltiness—think limestone and oyster shells.

• Finish: Long and wonderfully "dirty." It leaves a lingering taste of kippers, lemon zest, and cold campfire ash.

Why this bottle is special: Croftengea is an "if you know, you know" malt. It’s special because it offers a type of peat that is entirely different from the medicinal Islay style; it’s more mechanical, earthy, and citrus-focused. At 16 years old, the aggressive "industrial" notes have softened into a complex, savory dram that is a favorite among "geek" whisky drinkers for its sheer character.

Thompson Brothers Loch Lomond 10 Year Old (Inchmurrin)

Distilled 2012 | Bottled 2022 | 53.7% ABV

In complete contrast to the Croftengea, Inchmurrin is Loch Lomond’s unpeated, floral, and highly ester-driven spirit. Distilled in 2012 and aged in a Refill Hogshead, this 10-year-old was bottled at a potent cask strength of 53.7%. This is the Thompson Brothers doing what they do best—finding spirits that punch way above their weight class in terms of tropical fruit intensity.

• Nose: A fruit basket in a flower garden. High-ester notes of pear drops, green apples, and elderflower. As it sits, it reveals peach schnapps and a hint of vanilla cream.

• Palate: Sharp and vibrant. A massive burst of tropical fruit (kiwi and unripe mango) is tempered by baking spices and malted milk biscuits. It has a zesty, effervescent mouthfeel.

• Finish: Clean and uplifting. Lingering notes of grass, citrus oils, and a touch of sweet oak.

Why this bottle is special: Inchmurrin is famous for its "esters," and this Thompson Brothers bottling captures that vibrancy perfectly. It is special because it drinks like a much more expensive "high-fruit" malt (reminiscent of some older Irish whiskies or long-fermentation rums). It’s a bright, sunshine-drenched dram that perfectly demonstrates the versatility of the Loch Lomond stills.