Lochside 28 years 1981 - 2009 #617

A rare gem from the long-closed Lochside distillery, bottled by Blackadder as part of their renowned Raw Cask series. Distilled in 1981 and bottled in 2009 from cask number 617 at a robust 56% ABV, this whisky is unfiltered, uncoloured, and completely natural. It’s a true relic of a bygone era—refined, honest, and deeply evocative.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Refined and nostalgic. Ripe apple, orange zest, and honey rise first, followed by beeswax, old books, and a faint note of furniture polish. Subtle cereal undertones hint at its 1980s Highland heritage.

Palate

Silky and layered. Starts with crisp fruits like white peach and pear, then unfolds into creamy vanilla, gentle spice, and a touch of oak. The balance between youthful brightness and mature depth is masterful.

Finish

Long and elegant with notes of golden raisins, almond, and a wisp of tobacco. Slightly drying with a lingering oak spice that rounds it off beautifully.

Lochside Distillery

Lochside Distillery was located in Montrose, on the east coast of Scotland. Founded in 1957 by Joseph Hobbs, the distillery was located in a former brewery building dating back to 1781. Lochside produced both single malt and grain whisky, a rarity in the whisky world.

A specific feature of Lochside was the production of both types of whisky, allowing them to make their own blends. The distillery traditionally used spring water from the nearby Lochside Well, which contributed to the purity and character of their whiskies. Lochside whiskies were known for their light, tropical-fruity flavour profiles, with notes of apple, pear, vanilla and a subtle spiciness.

The whiskies were mainly matured in ex-bourbon casks, which ensured a balanced and refined flavour. Despite its closure in 1992 and subsequent demolition in 2005, Lochside's remaining bottles remain highly sought after by enthusiasts, collectors and investors due to their rarity and historical value. Lochside remains a fascinating chapter in Scotch whisky history, remembered for the unique and high-quality whiskies it produced.

Blackadder

Blackadder is an independent bottler of whisky, founded in 1995 by Robin Tucek. The company is known for its pure approach to bottling whisky, emphasising the preservation of the whisky's natural flavour and quality. Blackadder has earned a special reputation in the whisky world, especially for their signature ‘Raw Cask’ bottlings.

Raw Cask Series

Blackadder's most famous and unique series is the ‘Raw Cask’ series. In these bottlings, the whisky remains completely natural, and there may even be small particles of wood or charcoal present in the bottle, from the cask in which the whisky was matured. This is one of the features that make Blackadder unique, and it reflects the company's commitment to preserving the whisky's original state.

Please note

This bottle was bottled a long time ago. Please be careful when opening. The closure may have deteriorated. The item is sold as photographed and described. We do not accept any liability for the condition of the closure.