Lochlea is releasing its third and final Ploughing Edition (Third Crop), marking the conclusion of its celebrated three-year seasonal limited-edition series. The Ayrshire-based farm-to-cask distillery will launch this winter release on March 27, 2025.
The final Ploughing Edition showcases the distillery’s signature fruit and cereal-forward spirit with a distinctive peated twist. Released during winter when the farm’s fields are ploughed in preparation for spring sowing, this expression is the smokiest Lochlea whisky to date.
A Smoky Finale
Of the four whiskies in Lochlea’s seasonal range, the Ploughing Edition stands alone with its distinctive smoky profile. This character comes from exclusive maturation in ex-Islay 200-liter casks. The combination of peated casks and an extra year of aging from the Second Crop creates a complex flavor profile featuring green apple, toffee, and malted biscuits alongside the whisky’s smoky backbone.
Jill Boyd, Lochlea’s Master Blender who joined the distillery team in late 2024, said: “We are delighted to share our third and final crop of Ploughing Edition – which also marks the end of the seasonal releases range. The range has been very well received over the past three years and has allowed us to tell our story with genuity and passion.”
Farm-to-Cask Philosophy
Since launching with the First Crop series in 2023, Lochlea’s seasonal releases have gained recognition among the whisky community worldwide. The limited-edition range has demonstrated the distillery’s innovation in both cask maturation and spirit style.
“As a small farm-to-cask independent distillery growing all of our own barley here on the farm, it’s been imperative for us to talk about the importance of the land, the seasons and the farming calendar and the effect this has on our spirits,” Boyd explained.
The seasonal lineup includes Ploughing Edition (winter), Sowing Edition (spring), Harvest Edition (summer), and Fallow Edition (autumn) – each reflecting the agricultural cycles on the farm.
“We hope whisky lovers have enjoyed joining us on the journey with the seasonal releases and will seek out this final release before it all disappears! We look forward to sharing more exciting innovations in the near future that tells another part of our Lochlea story,” Boyd added.
Bottled at 46% ABV, it will be available from Lochlea stockists beginning March 27, 2025, with an RRP of $51.50 (£51.50) while supplies last.
Read the full article at Lochlea Ploughing Edition Third Crop Is Its Smokiest Whisky Yet, & The Last In Its Seasonal Range