Description
Inchurrin Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Distilled at the Loch Lomond Distillery
1996, 28 Years Old
2nd Fill Butt / 368 bottles
53.3% ABV
Artwork by: KMG
What happens when you leave Inchmurrin’s distinctly fruity spirit in a refill sherry butt for 28 years?
Nose: A dense and evolving bouquet: Medjool dates, marzipan, damson purée, and dry BBQ char. There’s a savoury edge too – charred oyster mushrooms and an old toolbox note, laced with oils, waxes, tinctures, and a touch of copper. Leather and hazelnut liqueur follow.
With water, the lighter distillate character starts to shine through: gooseberries, aged apple vinegar, green ginger wine, and a fresh hit of marzipan. It’s a whisky that responds beautifully to water – worth experimenting, as it keeps evolving with every drop.
Palate: Earthy and robust, with an unusual sherry influence. It leans more toward an Amontillado profile – hazelnut skin, tobacco leaf, and leathery depth. There’s an oxidative note reminiscent of Madeira wine. Pine resin and a persistent waxy coating give it great structure.
With water, a sweeter profile emerges: burnt caramel, crystallised ginger, and some herbal undertones.
Finish: Long, coating, and waxy. Water brings a drier edge, with hazelnuts reappearing for a final flourish.
Conclusion: This is a far cry from modern Inchmurrin – richer, more robust, and with an earthy complexity that sets it apart. The sherry influence, possibly Amontillado, adds lovely oxidative character. At times, this evokes the feel of a 1970s ‘old bottle’ whisky, full of earthy oxidation, waxes, tinctures, and oils.
A dram for the purists – likely not one for your friend who enjoys the occasional easy sipper. It can be challenging, even a little austere at moments, but for those willing to spend time with it, it keeps giving.
One can’t help but wonder – what was in that cask before the Inchmurrin?!
Check our shipping page before ordering!
Non-chill filtered and natural colour. This spirit may haze at low temperatures and under dilution.
There are no reviews yet.