Grain whisky rarely gets its moment in the spotlight. For decades it has played second fiddle to its malt counterpart, dutifully providing the backbone of blends while single malts collected the accolades. So when a bottle lands on my desk that puts grain whisky front and centre — at a muscular 48.8% ABV, no less — I pay attention. Loch Lomond Distiller's Choice Grain is a Coffey still Highland whisky that makes no apologies for what it is, and I think that confidence is well placed.
For the uninitiated, a Coffey still — named after Aeneas Coffey, who patented the design in 1831 — produces a lighter, sweeter spirit than a traditional copper pot still. The continuous distillation process strips away much of the heavier congener character, leaving a spirit that tends toward vanilla, cream, and gentle cereal sweetness. It is a fundamentally different animal to Highland malt, and judging it by malt standards would miss the point entirely. This whisky asks to be appreciated on its own terms.
What strikes me about this particular expression is the decision to bottle at 48.8%. Most grain whiskies arrive at 40% or 43%, polite and unchallenging. The higher strength here suggests the distiller wanted to preserve texture and intensity — a choice I respect. It signals that this is not simply a mixer or a blend component repackaged for retail. There is intention behind it.
As a No Age Statement release carrying the 'Distiller's Choice' designation, this sits in interesting territory. The NAS approach allows the blending team latitude to select casks for flavour profile rather than being constrained by a number on the label. At £44.95, it occupies a competitive price bracket — accessible enough for the curious drinker, yet serious enough to reward close attention.
Tasting Notes
I will reserve detailed tasting notes for a future update once I have had the opportunity to sit with this whisky across several sessions. A Coffey still grain at this strength deserves patience. What I will say is that the category typically delivers a profile built around creamy sweetness, soft orchard fruit, and gentle oak spice — and at nearly 49%, I would expect those qualities to carry real weight on the palate rather than fading into the background as they can at standard strength.
The Verdict
I have a soft spot for distillers who take grain whisky seriously, and this release earns a 7.6 out of 10 from me. It is a well-considered bottling that respects the character of Coffey still spirit while presenting it with enough conviction to stand alone. The elevated ABV is a smart choice that separates it from the crowd of anonymous grain whiskies gathering dust on back shelves. At under forty-five pounds, it represents fair value for a whisky that offers something genuinely different from the Highland norm. If you have never explored grain whisky as a category, this is a credible place to start. If you already appreciate what a good Coffey still can do, you will find plenty to like here.
Best Served
I would suggest trying this neat first to appreciate the spirit's natural weight at 48.8%. If you find it carries a touch too much heat, a small splash of water — no more than a teaspoon — should open things up without drowning the delicate grain character. This style of whisky also makes an exceptional Highball: 50ml over ice in a tall glass, topped with chilled soda water and a twist of lemon peel. The Coffey still's inherent lightness and sweetness come alive with carbonation, making it a superb aperitif or warm-weather pour.
