Yon Bonnie Blends

Meet Loch Lomond Whiskies’ forward-looking master blender, who combines tradition and startling innovation

- EUAN DUGUID

LUSS, Loch Lomond, is a place that will be forever in my heart.

It's where my late maternal grandparents lived their lives and are now at rest, together. My wife and I were married in the church. And we've spent many happy times with our children in the village.

The bonnie banks, and the inherent peace of the place, have also become a second home to Loch Lomond Whiskies master blender Michael Henry.

"The Ben standing watch over the deep, still waters of the loch... it's timeless," comments Michael, who is originally from the north coast of Ireland.

Distilling in these parts is almost as well-established as the surrounding mountains. Yet it's only in recent times local offerings have ascended into real global prominence.

"Loch Lomond 21-Year-Old and Loch Lomond 30-Year-Old were both awarded double gold in the San Francisco World Spirits Awards 2021," says Michael.

"Our Loch Lomond 12-Year-Old Inchmurrin also won the Best Highland Scotch 12 Years Old & Under category in the World Whisky Awards 2021." The Alexandria operation say the gongs are "testament to commitment and dedication".

I'm keen to know more about the specific shifts that have brought fairly seismic recognition to a distillery based alongside The Highland Boundary Fault.

"Innovation is key to us," continues Michael. "I lead the liquid innovation strategy and work with our distillery manager, Derrick Smith, on our continuing innovation programme.