Whisky : Inchgower 13 Year SMWS 18.31 “Fragrance and flowers”

Country/Region : Scotland/Speyside

ABV : 55.9%

Cask : Bourbon Hogshead, First Fill Rye Hogshead

Age : 13 Year (Distilled 18 Sept. 2007)

Nose : Herbal, spice, and buttery pastry. An odd mashup of nutmeg, celery seeds, and cocoa powder faded to reveal cream and green sprouts. As the dram rested, white pepper gravy and buttery biscuits developed.

Palate : Medium-bodied with tropical fruit, wood, and pastries. Brimming with tropical fruit— mango sorbet, banana ice cream, and cherimoya with hints of guava, rambutan, and longan. Dark brown sugar led to notes of light roasted coffee and berry studded scones and muffins. Altogether, the dram recalled a delicious breakfast buffet with notes of guava butter rolls, tropical pancake syrups, coconut in particular, and buttermilk pancakes.

Finish :  Hints of pepper, nutmeg, and coffee.

Score : 6

Mental Image : Tropical Pancake Buffet

Notes : The profile on this was an unexpected tropical fruit breakfast buffet. After an herbal nose that occasionally veered toward spice and pastry, I did not expect such a fruity palate. My experience with both Inchgower and ex-rye casks is quite limited, so I have no idea how typical these notes were, but they made quite an impression. I imagine anyone looking for a tropical fruit dram would find a lot to love here. I almost passed up the opportunity to taste this as the whole affair sounded a bit odd— I might be old-fashioned with my preference for basic bourbon casks.

Overall, the dram brought to mind delicious memories of brunch buffets and stacks of pancakes. It has been quite a while since I have been out for brunch, even longer since I have been to a buffet. After tasting this I find myself craving pancakes…