Diary of a whisky enthusiast 2025 - Episode 3
As a whisky lover and consultant at Comptoir Irlandais, join me at the beginning of each month for a journey to the heart of the world of spirits. Through my publications, I'll be sharing my impressions, my favourites and all the knowledge I've acquired about these exceptional drinks. I'll also take you to meet some fascinating distilleries and share the secrets of their expertise. This is a not-to-be-missed event for whisky lovers and the curious!
Episode 3 : Loch Lomond : Journey to the heart of a distillery like no other
Between majestic lakes, unique know-how and extraordinary processes, discover Loch Lomond through the eyes of the person who set foot there: our passionate Clermont-Ferrand shop manager.
A cinema setting and an unforgettable atmosphere
Situated in Alexandria, south of the famous Loch of the same name, the distillery offers a breathtaking panorama. With its deep forests, morning mists and reflections on the water, the place seems straight out of a Scottish fairytale. It is in this grandiose setting, on the symbolic border between the Highlands and the Lowlands, that one of the country's most unique distilleries has stood since 1964.
What was your first impression when you arrived at the distillery site?
Julie : The day we arrived was very strange, it was the day of the Queen's funeral, it was grey as can be and everything was closed! The next day we set off for the loch Lomond distillery. The sun was back! When we got there, I thought it was an enormous distillery! I'd been to Penderyn the same year, which is very small, and Oban about fifteen years ago.
Loch Lomond leaves no one indifferent: it's not just a whisky, it's a world in its own right. A place of experimentation, technical mastery and creative freedom, it has always stood out for its independence, controlling every stage of production - from fermentation to bottling.
A distillery like no other
Behind the walls of Loch Lomond lies a true whisky laboratory. Thanks to a unique combination of traditional stills and innovative equipment, the distillery can play with styles, textures and intensities like few others in Scotland. Among these tools are the famous Lomond Stills, a rare invention that allows the flavours of the distillate to be finely modulated.
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These stills, with their straight necks and adjustable plates, offer exceptional reflux control, enabling you to create profiles that are as smooth and floral as they are powerful and full-bodied.
But that's not all. Loch Lomond is also one of the few distilleries to produce its own grain whisky, using Coffey distillation columns. This remarkable autonomy allows the distillery to create consistent blends from A to Z, or to offer pure single grain whisky, while maintaining a perfectly mastered house style.
With this diversity of stills, this creative freedom and a production capacity of up to 30 million litres of alcohol a year, Loch Lomond is a true creative giant, capable of supplying the world market while retaining a strong identity.
What surprised or impressed you most about the production techniques?
Julie : What impressed me most on site was the cooperage workshop. The man who worked on the barrels was quite old, in his 70s, but well built and solid! He was so lovely, he explained everything to us and got us as close as possible when the barrels were being burnt.
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How has this visit changed your view of Loch Lomond whiskies?
Julie : Quite simply, I didn't know anything about this distillery or their range - all I knew was that Loch Lomond was Captain Haddock's favourite whisky in Tintin and the Picaros! This enabled me to discover and taste products that are accessible, affordable and suitable for our expert and novice customers.
A house of talent and history
Loch Lomond's unique style owes much to Michael Henry, its master distiller and blender. A true conductor of the house spirits, he imagines each cuvée with precision, combining modern techniques with tradition.
And like all good Scottish distilleries, the distillery is no stranger to myths. Rumour has it that a mysterious creature nicknamed “Lommy”, a cousin of the famous Nessie, haunts the mists of the loch... Myth or reality? It's up to you to find out.
How would you describe the general atmosphere of the venue?
Julie : The general atmosphere.... When I arrived, I had the impression that it was an XXL distillery. There were pallets and casks everywhere, and we were provided with orange waistcoats so that we could be identified in the aisles.
I found the distillery very, very clean and new. A lorry was there to collect the mash for the animals on the neighbouring farms.
The man who was refurbishing the casks was a very intimate visitor, and I thought it had a very family feel.
For every palate, from the everyday to the exceptional
Loch Lomond offers a range as eclectic as its production method. From the Loch Lomond Original to the 12 ans, Inchmoan or Inchmurrin, there's plenty of diversity, both in terms of flavour and price.
And for collectors, exceptional bottles such as the 30 ans, Inchmurrin 18 Year Old or the limited editions in collaboration with The Open, the famous golf tournament, are sure to catch the eye. This prestigious partnership, emblematic of the distillery's refinement and international reputation, has given rise to elegant vintages, often signed by renowned golfers or master blenders.
Did you fall in love with any of the whiskies you tasted there? If you had to recommend just one whisky from the range, which would it be, and why?
Julie : We had the chance to taste the different loch Lomond whiskies on site, and I loved the 12 year old inchmoan! Well-balanced, with lovely little notes of peat! A great introduction for those new to peat and Islay whiskies... in my opinion!
A shared passion with Le Comptoir Irlandais
For many years, Le Comptoir Irlandais has had a wonderful relationship with Loch Lomond. We've watched this singular house grow, offered exclusive cuvées, hosted fascinating tastings...
And today, it is with renewed pride that we invite you to discover, or rediscover, this distillery that is as inspiring as it is surprising.
Do you have a memorable anecdote to share with us about the visit?
Julie : One of the best memories I have of the place... In fact, there are two of them! The stop at the edge of the completely wild beach with the staff... We felt like we were at the end of the world! And the other is the real moment of sharing with these famous employees and Ambassador Ross at a lunch on Loch Lomond where the haggis was simply delicious!
What's your best photo from the trip?
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Article written by Philomène B.
Many thanks to Julie L for her stories and photos
