Loch Lomond Whiskies, the Official Spirit of The Open, has unveiled two new special limited edition single malts to mark The 149th Open at Royal St George’s, which will take place this July. The Loch Lomond “Open Course Collection Royal St George’s 2021” and “The Open Special Edition 2021” have been specially crafted by master blender Michael Henry to celebrate Loch Lomond Whiskies’ first visit to England as the Official Spirit of The Open.
The Loch Lomond Open Course Collection 2021 has been created using specially commissioned English Virgin Oak casks, to celebrate the Highland distillery’s first visit to Royal St George’s famous links.
Bottled in a traditional non-chill filtered manner, the 20-year-old expression has been created in partnership with Open Champion, Darren Clarke, Loch Lomond Whiskies ambassador, and bears his signature on the carton. The expression joins a collection of expressions created by Loch Lomond Whiskies to mark previous Open Championships in 2018 and 2019.
Bottled at an ABV of 50.2% and priced at £160, the Loch Lomond Open Course Collection has a rich mouth feel and showcases complex flavors including spiced apple, elderflower and caramel, before a long, dry finish of lime citrus, cumin and ginger.
The Open Special Edition 2021, created in partnership with European Tour Legend and Loch Lomond Whiskies’ ambassador Colin Montgomerie, uses a combination of spirits from both Loch Lomond Whiskies’ unique straight neck and traditional pot stills, delivering a delicious and fruity single malt of exceptional quality.
The underlying fruity character of the distillery shines with a gentle hint of smoke on the finish. The Scotch has been matured in three types of American oak casks, managed by our onsite cooperage. Michael Henry then marries the casks together before a final finish in Virgin American oak.
Bottled at 46% and non-chill filtered to keep things as nature intended, The Loch Lomond Open Special Edition 2021 is priced at £40 ($55 USD) and is ideal for any golf or Whisky lover.
Loch Lomond Whiskies’ became The Official Spirit of The Open in 2018. The 149th Open was originally scheduled to take place in 2020 but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The championship will be played at Royal St George’s this July, with The 150th Open at St Andrews taking place in 2022.
Colin Matthews, CEO of Loch Lomond Group, said: “Like all golf enthusiasts across the world, we were disappointed to learn of the postponement of The Open last year, but we are very much looking forward to the championship returning in the summer.
“We are very proud of our partnership with The Open, which has allowed us to showcase the very best of the Loch Lomond Whiskies range among golf and sport fans across the world. Both our Special Edition and Open Course Collection expressions are very special limited editions and are emblematic of the true diversity and distilling expertise we have at our Loch Lomond Distillery, and mark Loch Lomond Whiskies’ first trip to Royal St George’s as the Official Spirit of The Open perfectly.”
Michael Henry, Master Distiller added: “It has been a real pleasure crafting these limited editions to mark this year’s Open Championship. We’re thrilled that The Open will be returning this year, and both The Open Special Edition and the Course Collection expressions are a fantastic tribute to the 2021 Championship, each expression showcasing Loch Lomond Whiskies’ character wonderfully.”
Neil Armit, Chief Commercial Officer at The R&A, said: “Loch Lomond Whiskies’ special edition products have already proven to be a big hit with fans of The Open, bringing together two of Scotland’s greatest exports beautifully: golf and whisky.
“Following an unprecedented year, we are very much looking forward to Royal St George’s this summer. Both golf and whisky fans alike will be able to enjoy a taste of The Open and raise a dram to our championship returning.”
The Loch Lomond Open Special Edition 2021 and The Loch Lomond Course Collection are now available to purchase from the brand’s official web store and selected retailers.
Last year, Loch Lomond launched the Spirit Of The Tour range, which features five single cask Scotch Whiskies. The Highland distillery created the expressions to celebrate the European Tour’s UK Swing 2020 golf tournaments.
