Inchgower 1974 (Whisky-Doris)

This is the second Inchgower bottled by Whisky-Doris (after the 25yo bottled in 2006). The distillery is located in Speyside, next to the sea.

Inchgower 36 yo 1974 (55,5%, Whisky-Doris 2010, refill sherry cask #1476, 167 btl.)

Nose: a very complex mixture of subtle fruits (dried apricot, citrus) and a slightly sharp coastalness (sea air with a little iodine). Quite some spices (ginger, pepper, cinnamon) with elegant oak. Hand warmth brings out nice vanilla. Apart from this there’s a whole range of tiny notes that come and go: leather, wax, damp earth, flowers… They don’t make ‘em like this any more. Fruitier and more complex with some water, even slightly smoky.

Mouth: fruity notes (apricot again, oranges, grapefruit, lemon zest) with a clear peaty undertone. Coffee and almonds. Getting bitter (very dark chocolate) and salty in the end. Maybe a tad too sharp although a drop of water makes it rounder. Surprisingly coastal for a Speysider. 

Finish: long, dry with plenty of spices and some bitter lemon zest.

One of the most coastal Speyside whiskies I’ve tried. Add the uncommon peaty edge and you’ve got something special. Not an easy dram, but full of character. Available from Whisky-Doris – € 150.

Score: 90/100