Fragrant drops from an Inchgower on Sauterness
On our quest to put at least every working Scottish distillery on this blog once, we discovered an expression of Inchgower in our sample drawer. Inchgower is one of the big workhorse distilleries in Scotland, mostly providing blending stock for the Bell’s blended whisky. Being a Diageo plant, I am sure other brands profit from the Inchgower output too. This is one of the malt whiskies that you will easier find via independent bottlers than official channels. However much I adore the Flora & Fauna expression, that is actually readily available, for variations you have to look elsewhere. A bottler we only recently discovered are the good people of the Fragrant Drops series. Let us see what they selected!
Inchgower 2010, 14 years old, bottled at 57,7 % abv by Keeble Cask Company
First things first: As we discovered in the previous blog, George and Rachel are adventurous with their output. This Inchgower was distilled on 30 Augustus 2010 and when it was bottled in September 2024, it had received a 2,5 year finish in a fresh Sauternes barrique with the number 900216. Some 290 bottles were made.
Upon Sipping: It is not very talkative straight from the beginning, but it does release whiffs of vanilla, creamy butter and white chocolate. An upbeat character, for sure, but a little impenetrable. The taste is strong on wood spice, creamy vanilla and alcohol hotness. A fizzy and bitter finish leaves us a bit dazzled. I think a nice splash of water is mandatory here. Even though the aroma does not become more expressive, the taste becomes more floral and creamy. The Sauternes influence is very present, but I am not sure if it really balances out this Inchgower. The bitter, by now also zesty taste is something you really have to like. To me it stays a bit too hot to really enjoy. Let’s say this whisky takes no prisoners.
Word to the Wise: Challenging whisky, probably right up the alley of people who like their malt rough, unpolished and vibrant. Another exciting release under the Fragrant Drops label, but for me this one is less my cup of tea.
Score: 81 points.
Geef een reactie