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May. 1st, 2025
The third studio album by Jorma and John follows the same formula as the previous two companion albums in The River Flows series (2020, 2021). Kaukonen plays lead acoustic guitar, while Hurlbut sings and plays second guitar.
The album opens with the long, San Francisco-themed track Angel Island, written by Peter Rowan. It is very good and poetic, although I prefer the original vocals. The album title, by the way, is taken from a line in this song.
The record includes six covers and two originals by John. Both of Hurlbut's tunes are strong. Day in the Country is rollicking, and Lazy Saint is especially catchy. As for the covers, I think not all of them turned out equally well. I really like David Wiffen's Driving Wheel and the good old Pastures of Plenty by Woody Guthrie. The rest seem decent, though they come across as a bit dull. The instrumentation is excellent, but some songs are too long, and John's vocals do not always suit them. The second side is less engaging, although overall the album holds up well.
Lochlea Small Batch tasting notes
May. 1st, 2025 08:15 pmLochlea NAS OB For ImpEx Beverages Inc 70cl 60% ABV
Small Batch series
Matured in Refill Bourbon barrels and finished in American Oak STR casks
Casks no. 283, 284, 285
Color: rich gold.
Nose: honey, melon, bread, crushed red pepper, quinces, lemon pie, almonds, eraser, dates, cherries, bananas, clay, hay, chocolate, tea, meadow herbs, cucumbers, and a touch of tar. The honey note is absolutely remarkable. I cannot recall it ever being this intense in a whisky.
Taste: chocolate, honey, star fruit, guava, blood oranges, pepper, lemons, apples, and pears. The tropical fruit notes are appealing, but the overall profile is dense and sweet.
Finish: chocolate, cocoa, honey, pepper, pears, oranges, and lemon zest.
Score: 8 ½. Good. +2+1+1.
Conclusion: a sweet malt. I do not particularly favor this style, but the honey character presented here is just outstanding. The strength feels satisfying as well. There is no indication of cask strength on the label, so perhaps the batch was slightly diluted to yield a rounded ABV. Adding a few drops of water does not change much. 85/100. An interesting Lochlea, one of the best I have tasted. It is reassuring that this new distillery can produce great whisky and that their future looks even more promising.
Small Batch series
Matured in Refill Bourbon barrels and finished in American Oak STR casks
Casks no. 283, 284, 285
Color: rich gold.
Nose: honey, melon, bread, crushed red pepper, quinces, lemon pie, almonds, eraser, dates, cherries, bananas, clay, hay, chocolate, tea, meadow herbs, cucumbers, and a touch of tar. The honey note is absolutely remarkable. I cannot recall it ever being this intense in a whisky.
Taste: chocolate, honey, star fruit, guava, blood oranges, pepper, lemons, apples, and pears. The tropical fruit notes are appealing, but the overall profile is dense and sweet.
Finish: chocolate, cocoa, honey, pepper, pears, oranges, and lemon zest.
Score: 8 ½. Good. +2+1+1.
Conclusion: a sweet malt. I do not particularly favor this style, but the honey character presented here is just outstanding. The strength feels satisfying as well. There is no indication of cask strength on the label, so perhaps the batch was slightly diluted to yield a rounded ABV. Adding a few drops of water does not change much. 85/100. An interesting Lochlea, one of the best I have tasted. It is reassuring that this new distillery can produce great whisky and that their future looks even more promising.