Lochlea Distillery: A Robert Burns Farm Distillery in Ayrshire
Updated: 9 hours ago
Lochlea is an Ayrshire distillery founded in 2018 on the farm where the poet Robert Burns once lived and worked. It makes a Lowland single malt.
In this guide
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Lochlea at a glance
Distillery fact | Verified detail |
|---|---|
Distillery / brand | Lochlea |
Whisky region | Lowland, Scotland |
Ownership (October 2026) | Lochlea Distilling Company Limited |
History | Whisky distilling began in 2018 on Lochlea Farm. |
Expressions to explore | Lochlea Our Barley and Lochlea Harvest Edition (Third Crop) |
Visiting / editorial note | The producer states the distillery is not open to the public. |
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Quick facts
Location: Ayrshire, Scotland
Founded: 2018 by Neil McGeoch
Investment: about 6 million pounds, planned from 2014
First single malt: October 2021
Core range: launched August 2025 with three expressions
History
Neil McGeoch founded the distillery on the former Burns farm. The 6 million pound investment was planned back in 2014. The inaugural single malt launched in October 2021 and a cask strength whisky followed in May 2023.
Recent milestones
In October 2023 it won International Trade Business of the Year at the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce awards. In January 2025 it launched the single malt Our Barley ahead of Burns Night. In August 2025 it launched its first permanent core range of three expressions.
Sources and gaps
Gaps for Filip: stills, capacity, current core range ABVs and visitor details were not found, and the official site was not reached. The 2024 figures may have moved on. Set the URL slug in SEO settings.
Lochlea bottle range and expression comparison
Bottle / expression | Age | ABV | Cask maturation / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Lochlea Our Barley | NAS / varies | 46% | Producer and release specifications may change; consult official sources. |
Lochlea Harvest Edition (Third Crop) | NAS / varies | 46% | Producer and release specifications may change; consult official sources. |
The producer states the distillery is not open to the public.
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Frequently asked questions about Lochlea
Why is Lochlea linked to Robert Burns?
It stands on the farm where Burns once lived and worked.
When was the first single malt released?
October 2021.
Who founded it?
Neil McGeoch.
Where is Lochlea Distillery?
Lowland, Scotland. See the original location section above.
Who owns Lochlea?
Lochlea Distilling Company Limited
Sources and latest checks
Whisky Clan has retained the original researched history and source notes above. The comparison table lists documented expressions, not guaranteed current stock. Please check the producer's current bottle labels for strength, cask details and availability.
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Photo and source notes
Cover photograph: Lochlea Distillery converted farm buildings near Craigie in South Ayrshire. Source: Lochlea Distillery official site. Original owner retains photo rights; reuse permission not confirmed.
About the author
 | Filip Janczak Storyteller, drinker and explorer of all things whisky. Read more about the person behind Whisky Clan and explore additional reviews and distillery guides. |
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