Glen Lochey ~ Simpson & Vail

Margaret’s Hope…  Where have I heard that name before?

I’ve rarely seen a liquor as beautiful as Simpson and Vail’s Glen Lochey: a brilliant whiskey-touched Arizona sunset that really just steals the show. Lamentably, beyond its color, I’m fairly unimpressed with it. In aroma, a wood-smoked Lapsang Souchong (if in moderation) with a hint of orange peel. In flavor, half well-malted Darjeeling FTGFOP, half orthodox Lapsang with no apparent aftertaste. Unsurprisingly Glen Lochey’s texture is more or less totally blown out by the smokey Lapsang content. On the upside, Glen Lochey will age well. I doubt it would be noticeably weaker if you kept it in glass on a windowsill for a couple years.

Though toted as being “the quintessential Scottish tea”, this tea will probably not remind you of your favorite Scottish Breakfast blend. It’s true they managed to find a unique dampened full-leaf Lapsang when they could have just used the Wuyi Shan Lapsang they normally retail. I guess I was expecting more of “Highlands single malt” inspired blend, ala Elmwood Inn’s Bourbon Black Blend. It’s more like S&V went for a new and unique Scottish flavor, which i suppose is always worth the effort. Honestly, if given the challenge, I think I could have done better… but then, I wouldn’t have had the added difficulty of trying to make a profit off it. ^^;;

1. Aroma – 92
2. Taste – 93
3. Texture – 91
4. Spunk – 94
5. Rarity – 89
6. Availability – 92
7. Appearance – 97
8. Organic/Fair trade – 91

Mean score – 92

When you combine strong malt and a smokey Lapsang the result will definitely be gassy and bracing, but it will be difficult to find much subtlety or complexity.