Loch Lomond Grainstorm Peated Single Grain Scotch Whisky 70 cl 46%

On the banks of Loch Lomond, where Scotland's lowlands meet the highlands, sits a distillery that refuses to play by the rules. Here, peated malted barley runs through a column still instead of traditional copper pots — and the result is a whisky that behaves like neither malt nor grain, but insists on its own path.

Expert's description

Loch Lomond Grainstorm Peated is a Highland Single Grain Scotch Whisky matured in bourbon casks and bottled at 46%.

The whisky is made exclusively from heavily peated malted barley, but because it's distilled in Loch Lomond Distillery's continuous column still rather than traditional pot stills, it's classified as single grain rather than single malt — a quirk that makes this bottle something of a genuine anomaly in Scotch production.

It's matured in a combination of first-fill and refill American oak bourbon casks under the eye of Master Blender Michael Henry, delivering a soft, fruity character with creamy vanilla and a whisper of smoke. The whisky sits in the distillery's permanent range and was relaunched under the Grainstorm name in late 2024.

Tasting notes

Nose

Clove and blackcurrant sit alongside citrus peel and a touch of freshly cut grass, with vanilla running underneath as a sweet current throughout.

Palate

Sweet, tangy peat meets green apple and lime citrus on the tongue, with aniseed in the mix. The smoke stays in the background here — more spice than bonfire.

Finish

The finish is crisp and dry, with a distant trace of peat smoke lingering long after the last sip.

Specifications

Name: Loch Lomond Grainstorm Peated
Distillery: Loch Lomond Distillery
Region/Country: Highland, Scotland
Type: Highland Single Grain Scotch Whisky
ABV: 46%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Bourbon casks (first-fill and refill American oak)
Distillation method: Continuous distillation (column still)
Edition: Grainstorm
EAN no.: 5016840260219

Flavour profile

Smoky · Fruity · Spiced · Vanilla-sweet

Did you know?

Loch Lomond is one of only two Scottish distilleries able to produce both single malt and single grain whisky under one roof. Their Coffey-style column still is shared with only one other whisky house in the world — Japan's Nikka.

See our full selection of Loch Lomond Whisky

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Frequently Asked Questions about Loch Lomond Grainstorm Peated

Why is it called "single grain" when it's made from malted barley?

Because it's distilled in a column still rather than traditional pot stills. Scotch rules state that only whisky distilled in pot stills can be called single malt — regardless of grain type. Had Loch Lomond used pot stills, this bottle would technically be a single malt.

Is Loch Lomond Grainstorm Peated a heavily smoky whisky?

No, the peat shows up more in the nose than on the palate. The malt itself is heavily peated, but the sweet, fruity character from the bourbon casks takes over on the tongue, with the smoke only really emerging in the crisp finish.

What's the difference between this and Loch Lomond's peated single malt?

It comes down to the distillation method, not the raw material. See our full range of Single Grain Scotch Whisky for more examples of the category.

How does it compare to a peated Islay whisky?

Islay whisky tends to be dominated by maritime, medicinal smoke. Grainstorm Peated is far milder and sweeter, with the peat acting as background seasoning rather than the main theme. Our blog post on peated whisky goes deeper into the style differences.

Which glass brings out the aromas best?

A tulip-shaped nosing glass captures the aroma best, letting the sweet vanilla and fruit notes come forward alongside the faint peat. Take a look at our whisky glasses here.

Is Loch Lomond Grainstorm Peated a good gift?

Yes, especially for a whisky friend who already knows single malt and is curious about something different. The unusual story behind the single grain category makes it an easy conversation starter.

Is it good value compared to other single grain whiskies?

Yes — the quality of the bourbon cask maturation and Master Blender Michael Henry's craftsmanship give it a depth that's rare in a category often dominated by lighter blend-base whiskies.