Lochside

Lochside Distillery

Lochside Distillery was an iconic whisky distillery located in the Angus region of eastern Scotland. Situated near the historic town of Montrose, the distillery was founded in 1957 by Joseph W. Hobbs, an American-Scottish entrepreneur with a passion for whisky. Although Lochside Distillery closed in 1992 and was eventually demolished in 2005, it left a lasting impression on whisky enthusiasts worldwide.

The Founding and History

Joseph W. Hobbs, a man with a colorful history in the whisky industry, saw potential in an old brewery originally established in 1781. He transformed it into a distillery, bringing his knowledge and experience to breathe life into Lochside. The location near Montrose was ideal due to its access to pure water and proximity to good transport links.

Lochside Distillery began its life producing both grain whisky and malt whisky, which was unique as most distilleries specialized in one or the other. The grain whisky was produced in a Coffey still, while the malt whisky was distilled in traditional pot stills. This combination gave Lochside the flexibility to produce both blended and single malt whiskies, allowing them to cater to a broad range of consumers.

The Production and Characteristics of Lochside Whisky

Lochside whiskies were known for their smooth and fruity character, a direct result of using high-quality ingredients and a carefully controlled distillation process. Lochside's malt whisky was characterized by notes of apple, pear, and citrus, often mingled with hints of vanilla and spices due to aging in oak casks.

Lochside was also progressive in experimenting with different types of casks for aging their whisky. While traditional oak casks were the norm, they also tried sherry and wine casks, which led to a rich variety of flavors and aromas in their final products. This experimentation was a precursor to what would later become a widespread practice in the whisky industry.

Contribution to Blended Whisky

In addition to their single malt productions, Lochside played an important role in the production of blended whiskies. Their grain whisky was an essential component of several popular blends of the time. The combination of their grain and malt whisky resulted in a harmonious and balanced flavor, which was beloved by many.

One of the most famous blends featuring Lochside whisky was Sandy Macnab's, a brand that was popular in the 1960s and 1970s. The quality and consistency of Lochside's production ensured that their whiskies were sought after by blenders looking for reliable and flavorful components for their products.

The Closure and Legacy of Lochside

Despite the popularity and quality of their whiskies, Lochside was closed in 1992. This was a period of consolidation in the whisky industry, where many distilleries struggled to survive. Economic pressures and changing market dynamics played a significant role in the closure of many smaller distilleries, and unfortunately, Lochside fell victim to these trends.

In the years following its closure, the reputation of Lochside whisky continued to grow. Bottles from their archives were sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, often fetching high prices at auctions. The complexity and unique character of their whiskies made Lochside a legend in the world of single malts.

In 2005, the distillery was completely demolished, leaving little physical evidence of this once-thriving whisky producer. However, the memory of Lochside lives on in the bottles that still circulate and in the stories of those fortunate enough to have enjoyed their whiskies.

Influence on the Modern Whisky World

The legacy of Lochside Distillery extends beyond just the whiskies they produced. Their innovative approach to production and cask aging has had a lasting impact on the industry. The willingness to experiment and try new techniques remains an inspiration for many modern distilleries.

Today, Lochside's whiskies are still admired and respected. They serve as a reminder of an era when craftsmanship and innovation went hand in hand in the world of Scotch whisky. Though the distillery itself no longer exists, its spirit lives on in the hearts of whisky lovers around the world.

Conclusion

Lochside Distillery was more than just a producer of whisky; it was a symbol of innovation, quality, and the rich tradition of Scotch whisky production. Despite its closure and eventual demolition, Lochside's impact remains palpable. Their dedication to creating exceptional whisky and their forward-thinking approach to production and aging have earned them a special place in whisky history. For many, Lochside will always be remembered as a pioneer and a producer of some of the most memorable whiskies ever made.