Lochside 1981/2004 (Berry Bros & Rudd)

I had so much fun last week reviewing all these old, rare and most important, super tasty whiskies, that I don’t see any reason why I shouldn’t continue raiding my sample drawer for some more rare whiskies to review. So how about a Lochside 1981 from Berry Bros & Rudd?

Mention Lochside and you’ve got the attention of almost any whisky enthusiast. Add the vintage 1981, and most of ’em start to drool. It is one of those magical years, like 1972 is for Clynelish or 1976 for BenRiach and Tomatin. Fruitiness seems to be the common denominator for Lochside 1981, so let’s see what we have here.

Lochside 1981/2004 (46%, Berry Bros & Rudd, C#610-13)

Nose: Well, it is fruity all right. Vibrant pink grapefruit, soft peach, banana candy, lychee and pineapple. Wonderful! Moves into a more porridge-y territory later on.
Taste: Ah, nice, more fruit here as well. Grapefruit is still the most dominant for me, but also oranges and apricot. In the background a slight hint of cardboard. Touch of white pepper and some bitterness. Nice balance. Somewhat reminiscent of those fruity Littlemills from the early nineties.
Finish: Long with less fruit, and more spices and wood.

Rating: 90

Such a great Lochside, well-suited for those who like their fruit with a bit of punch (even at ‘just’ 46 percent).

Photo: whisky-onlineauctions.com