Single grain Scotch doesn't get enough credit. It's the workhorse of the blended whisky world, the spirit that keeps the lights on at half the distilleries in Scotland, and yet it rarely gets a solo turn in the spotlight. So when Loch Lomond decide to not only bottle a single grain on its own but throw peat smoke into the equation, I'm paying attention. The Loch Lomond Peated Single Grain is bottled at 46% ABV with no age statement, and at £32.50 it's priced to invite curiosity rather than commitment. That's a smart move.
For those unfamiliar with the category, single grain doesn't mean single ingredient — it means the whisky comes from a single distillery but is produced using a continuous still, typically with a mash bill that includes grains beyond malted barley. The result is generally lighter, sweeter, and more approachable than its single malt cousin. Loch Lomond, situated on the banks of the loch itself in Alexandria, is one of the few Scottish distilleries with the kit to produce both malt and grain whisky under one roof. That versatility is part of their identity, and this bottling leans into it hard.
What to Expect
The peated angle is what makes this genuinely interesting. Peat and grain whisky don't often share a glass. The lighter, creamier character of grain spirit meeting smoke creates something that sits outside the usual Scotch categories. You're not getting an Islay bruiser here — this is peat used as seasoning, not as the main course. At 46% and presumably non-chill filtered at that strength, there should be enough texture and weight to carry the smoke without it overwhelming the inherent sweetness of the grain.
The Highland designation is worth noting too. Loch Lomond straddles the Highland line geographically, and they've claimed the Highland label for this expression. It positions the whisky in a broad and forgiving region, but the real story here is the distillery's own character rather than any regional signature.
The Verdict
I rate this 7.6 out of 10. It's not trying to be the most complex dram on your shelf, and that honesty is part of its appeal. What Loch Lomond have done here is take an underappreciated category and given it a genuine twist. The price point is reasonable — you'd pay more for plenty of NAS malts that play it far safer. At £32.50, this is the kind of bottle you buy because you want to try something different on a Tuesday evening, and that's exactly the spirit the whisky industry needs more of. It's a conversation starter, a palate recalibrator, and proof that single grain deserves more than anonymity inside a blend.
If I have a reservation, it's the NAS element. I'd love to know what age of spirit is going into this, because the difference between a young peated grain and a more mature one would be significant. But Loch Lomond have earned enough goodwill with their broader range that I'm willing to trust the liquid in the glass over the number on the label.
Best Served
Pour this neat at room temperature and give it five minutes to open up. If you find the smoke a touch assertive, add a few drops of water — grain whisky responds well to dilution without falling apart. This would also work brilliantly in a highball with good tonic water and a twist of grapefruit peel. The smoke and citrus combination with the lighter grain body makes for a genuinely refreshing long drink that's a world away from the usual whisky and soda.
