Loch Lomond Whiskies Releases New Expressions to Celebrate the Legacy of The Open

The duo of whiskies marks The 153^rd Open at Royal Portrush

Innovative distiller and The Spirit of the Open, Loch Lomond Whiskies, has unveiled two-limited edition single-malts to commemorate golf’s original championship, The Open.

The Open Course Collection 2025 (RRP £250; 46.7% ABV) and The Open Course Special Edition 2025 (RRP £45; 46% ABV) celebrate Loch Lomond Whiskies’ longstanding partnership with the world’s oldest major championship, paying tribute to the people, players and courses throughout its history.

The Open Course Collection 2025 has been crafted by award-winning master blender, Michael Henry who showcases Loch Lomond Whiskies’ signature adeptness and ingenuity in the liquid.

The Open Course Collection 2025 is a 22-year-old whisky first laid to rest in American oak barrels and hogshead, before being finished in hand-selected first-fill Spanish oak casks – a nod to the Spanish Armada ship, La Girona, which sank off the coast of Royal Portrush in 1588.

The exquisite single-malt was distilled using Loch Lomond Whiskies’ unique straight-neck stills. Loch Lomond Distillery is the only distiller in Scotch to use these striking stills, giving it far greater control over the final flavour profile. Henry’s meticulous process has resulted in a remarkable whisky that brings unique notes of cinnamon and spice while also emulating the classic Loch Lomond flavour profile of fruit, honey and soft smoke. 

Meanwhile, The Open Special Edition 2025 explores the influence of rich and ripe Tuscan chianti wine casks on Loch Lomond’s signature style. Also crafted exclusively in the Loch Lomond’s flagship straight-neck stills, The Open Special Edition 2025 was aged in a combination of American oak and finished for eight months in the finest first-fill chianti casks which added further depth of rich and ripe flavours to the distillery’s esteemed style. 

Scottish golfing legend and longstanding Loch Lomond Whiskies ambassador Colin Montgomerie collaborated with Loch Lomond Whiskies to create each of these expressions, with his legendary signature adorned on each pack. 

Michael Henry, master blender of Loch Lomond Group said:

“These expressions perfectly capture Loch Lomond’s explorative and innovative spirit.

“The final character of each of these fine single malts are unmistakenly Loch Lomond, and the experimentation with Spanish oak and chianti casks is indicative of our capability to push the boundaries in flavour creation.”

Loch Lomond Whiskies ambassador Colin Montgomerie said: 

“It’s been a pleasure working with Michael once again to create these popular limited-edition expressions which mark another special moment in golf history.

“There is a lot of synergy between golf and the art of whisky making. Both require dedication to the craft, passion and a willingness to take risks, which Loch Lomond Whiskies do so well.

“The ongoing releases of new limited-edition whiskies celebrates the legacy of The Open in such a wonderful way, and it has been a joy to be a part of the experience once again.”

Henry Keeling, Director – Commercial Partnerships at The R&A said:

“We are proud to continue our valued relationship with Loch Lomond Group across The Open and the AIG Women’s Open. Aligning with partners who share our vision for the championships and for golf to thrive is integral to our success.”

Both limited-edition single malts are non-chill filtered and natural in colour to keep the whisky just as nature intended. The Open Special Edition 2025 is also available in as a gift pack with dual branded Loch Lomond Whiskies and The Open glasses, retailing for £50.

The Open Course Collection 2025 and The Open Course Special Edition 2025 are available from www.lochlomondwhiskies.com and select whisky retailers from 15 April 2025.

Tasting notes 

Loch Lomond The Open Course Collection 2025

• Nose: Toasted oak, apple, ginger and vanilla.
• Taste: Toffee, pineapple, lemon and cinnamon.
• Finish: Long with warming oak spice and soft smoke.

Loch Lomond The Open Special Edition 2025

• Nose: Redcurrant, raspberry, apple, and vanilla.
• Taste: Honey, peach, pear and red berries.
• Finish: Medium length with drying oak tannin and soft smoke.

About Loch Lomond Whiskies

Loch Lomond Whiskies is an award-winning, independent Scotch whisky distiller which has been producing the finest single malt whiskies since 1814.  As a Highland malt, it is part of the largest and most diverse whisky-making region in Scotland.

The original site of the Loch Lomond Distillery was established near Tarbert, towards the northwest end of Loch Lomond. In the 1960s, under the leadership of American entrepreneur and chemist, Duncan Scott (who was instrumental in the ongoing success of Scotland’s oldest licensed distillery, Littlemill), a new site was created in Alexandria, which began a move to a more innovative philosophy and style of whisky-making that is still used today.

Located only a few miles from the famous loch, the distillery has a whisky-making capability like no other, using a combination of traditional swan-neck and its signature straight-neck-stills, which are unique to Loch Lomond Whiskies.

The straight-neck stills give Master Blender Michael Henry greater control over the distillation process, allowing him to carefully manipulate the flavour profile of each whisky, and providing a signature fruit, honey and soft smoke flavour profile.

Loch Lomond Whiskies is one of only four distillers in Scotland to have its own onsite cooperage, ensuring that barrel repairs and charring are carried out to an exacting standard, so every cask is perfect for maturing whisky.

The distillery’s multi-award-winning range includes Loch Lomond Original; Loch Lomond 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond Inchmurrin 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond 18 Year Old; Loch Lomond 21 Year Old and Loch Lomond 30 Year Old, as well as Loch Lomond Single Grain (peated and unpeated) and the deluxe blend Loch Lomond Signature.

In 2023, it was recognised as the ‘Most Awarded Distillery’ at the globally renowned San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023, achieving multiple Double Gold and Gold Awards for its collection of malt whisky brands.

Last year, Loch Lomond 18 Year Old was revealed as The Whisky Exchange’s coveted ‘Whisky of the Year 2024’, achieving superior scores from the judging panel for its full-bodied and fruity character.