Ah, the first new distillery I can tick off after my call a couple of weeks ago. Inverleven was founded by Hiram Walker in 1938 and became part of a whole distillery complex in Dumbarton, where they produced different types of whisky for the Ballantine’s blend. Malt production ceased in 1991. Some of the remaining pot stills went to Port Charlotte a couple of years ago.
It was never released as a single malt, but semi-official bottlings like this 1979 vintage were done by Gordon & MacPhail.
Inverleven 1979
(40%, Gordon & MacPhail, +/- 1990)
Inverleven 1979Nose: malty and rather artificially sweet. Apples and peaches, some pear drops. Also lemon candy and gooseberries. Soft grassy notes. Really not bad, even though it’s simple and the hints of wet cardboard in the background are slightly disturbing.
Mouth: weak and again seemingly sweetened. Hints of orange Dextro Energy. Sweet almonds. A slightly alcoholic graininess. Evolving on floral notes and a grassy bitterness.
Finish: not really. Peppery wood but there’s hardly any power left.
I didn’t have high expectations for this one, but it’s actually not too shabby at all. I can see this work in a blend. On the crossroads of Lowlands and Highlands. Rarely more than € 70 in auctions.
Score: 76/100