Lochlea Distillery Bids Farewell to Its Seasonal Releases with the Final Ploughing Edition

Lochlea Distillery in Ayrshire is bringing its seasonal limited-edition series to a close with the release of Lochlea Ploughing Edition (Third Crop). This marks the final instalment in the three-year journey of their award-winning seasonal range, a series that has captivated whisky enthusiasts worldwide since its inception in 2023.

The Final Ploughing Edition – A Winter Tribute

Released during the heart of winter, Lochlea Ploughing Edition (Third Crop) reflects the time when the fields are ploughed in preparation for spring’s sowing season. This final expression maintains the distillery’s signature fruit and cereal-forward spirit but introduces a distinctive peated twist, offering a fitting conclusion to the beloved seasonal lineup.

Celebrating Innovation and Creativity

Since launching the First Crop series, Lochlea’s seasonal releases have been widely celebrated for showcasing the distillery’s farm-to-cask ethos. The limited-edition range has highlighted not only the innovative use of cask maturation but also the creative evolution of spirit styles throughout the seasons.

Among the four seasonal whiskies, Ploughing Edition stands out as the only expression with a smoky profile. This is achieved through maturation in 100% ex-Islay 200-litre casks, resulting in Lochlea’s smokiest release to date. The additional year of ageing from the Second Crop further enhances its depth, bringing forth flavours of green apple, toffee, and malted biscuits, intertwined with a rich smoky character.

Read More: Lochlea Distillery Celebrates Sixth Anniversary With Whisky Release

Master Blender Jill Boyd Reflects on the Journey

Jill Boyd, Lochlea’s master blender who joined the team at the end of 2024, expressed pride in the distillery’s seasonal journey:

“We are delighted to share our third and final crop of Ploughing Edition – which also marks the end of the seasonal releases range.

The range has been very well received over the past three years and has allowed us to tell our story with genuineness and passion.

As a small farm-to-cask independent distillery growing all of our own barley, it’s been imperative for us to showcase the connection between the land, the seasons, and the whisky we produce.

The seasonal releases have demonstrated how our spirits evolve throughout the year, influenced by nature and our dedication to craftsmanship.

We hope whisky lovers have enjoyed this journey and will seek out this final release before it disappears! We look forward to sharing more exciting innovations that continue to tell the Lochlea story.”

A Look Back at Lochlea’s Seasonal Releases

The Lochlea seasonal series has paid tribute to the rhythms of farming and whisky-making with four unique releases:

• Ploughing Edition – Released in winter, symbolising the ploughing of fields in preparation for spring.
• Sowing Edition – Inspired by spring, when seeds are sown for the year’s barley crop.
• Harvest Edition – Launched in time for the annual farm harvest.
• Fallow Edition – Reflects autumn, when fields are left to rest after a busy season.

Availability

Like all Lochlea whiskies, Ploughing Edition (Third Crop) is non-chill filtered with no added colouring. Bottled at 46% ABV, it is priced at £51.50 RRP.

This final seasonal edition will be available from Lochlea stockists starting 27 March 2025, but as with previous releases, it will only be available while stocks last.

Whisky Collections for Enthusiasts

For whisky collectors and enthusiasts, this is a final opportunity to own a piece of Lochlea’s groundbreaking seasonal journey.

If you are a whisky connoisseur, the last few years have been an incredible time with many distilleries releasing rare and fine whiskies. These include:

• The Glen Grant launches Splendour Collection with 65-year-old whisky
• Highland Park releases their oldest whisky yet with a 56-year-old whisky
• Longmorn Distillery release 30-year-old single malt

At UKV International AG, we are always looking for exciting rare and fine whiskies for our clients. Whether it is to add to a collection or to invest in cask whisky, UKV is here to help guide you through the process.

Speak to our team of whisky experts today!