Inchgower 30 Year (1989), Nectar of the Daily Drams
Whisky: Inchgower 30 Year (1989), Nectar of the Daily Drams
Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside
ABV: 48.1%
Cask: Oak
Age: 30 Years (Distilled 1989, Bottled 2019)
Nose: Herbal and fresh with oregano, coriander, and cumin; subtle lime and dried mango, Korean pears, cucumber, a tease of maritime sweets, layers of earth and dried grass with hints of petting zoo.
Palate: Light-bodied, herbal and fruity, Asian pears and shrimp, more subtle lime and coriander which slowly transitioned toward tobacco and weathered wood, a touch of dried pumpkin and squash with vegetal sweetness, earthy Play-Doh, and clay toward the end.
Finish: Medium-length and slightly drying, with a touch of fruit and earth with herbal undertones.
Score: 6-7 (81)
Mental Image: Halloween Enrichment Activities at the Zoo
Narrative & Notes: The aroma shifted liked a chameleon— the initial impression of a taco truck with tons of herbal oregano, coriander, cumin, lime, and faint beef fat gave way to dried mango candies and Korean pears. Those Asian pear notes dominated, along with subtle cream, cucumber, and a touch of cold cocktail shrimp. In the background were earthier notions of dried grass and churned mud with a hint of manure— something like gazing into an animal pen at the zoo.
Unique and a bit strange. My wife reckoned that if it were possible to crank the intensity of the flavors up just a bit, this would have shined. The transition through different layers on the nose and palate made for a fun affair— I cannot see myself reaching to drink something like this regularly, but it was a fantastic bottle to share. A good friend poured this as part of a birthday celebration, and I brought a pour home a bit to try again a second time. Even that first evening, everyone was buzzing about the incredible herbal character of the whisky. With more time to sit with it, I was impressed with just how clear fruit and earth appeared as well, especially as the herbal character continued to mellow out.
Overall, a fascinating malt. Probably more interesting than good.
Image Credit: Cask Cartel
