I’ve had, fairly modern, independently bottled releases of Inchgower distilled in the ’70s, but this is the first OB 1970s Inchgower 12 I’ve ever tasted. Being bottled in the 70s means it was distilled some time in the late 50s to early-mid 60s and based on the color, smell and taste it seems to have employed a significant amount of sherry casks.

Built in 1871 to replace the Tochineal distillery, Inchgower was bought by Arthur Bell & Sons in 1938 and became a key component of the Bell’s blends. Through a series of corporate acquisitions, AB&S ended up being owned by Diageo who, obviously, now owns Inchgower. Outside of the Flora and Fauna and Rare Malts range Inchgower has no official releases and over 99% of the whisky made is used for blends.

I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to digging into the scotch whisky review for this uncommon malt.

1970s Inchgower 12 Review: Details and Tasting Notes

In Inchgower’s Words:

A de luxe Highland malt Scotch Whisky from the House of Bell’s. 100% Scotch Whisky.

Details (price, mash bill, cask type, ABV, etc.)

Region: Speyside, Scotland

Distiller: Inchgower
Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask: ex-Bourbon, ex-Sherry
Age: 12 Years
ABV: 40%

Price: NA – Auction, Specialty Store or Private Seller

Tasting Notes

EYE
Old copper

NOSE
Dark fruit, vanilla frosting, malty sweetness, sulfur, waxy fruit candy (Jujubees) and a touch of spice.

PALATE
Malty, darkly fruity, sulfury, musty OBE, citrus, spice and a bit of butterscotch.

FINISH
Med-short -> Malt, OBE, spice, sulfur and dark fruit.

BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Ok balance, medium body and a soft watery feel.

1970s Inchgower 12 Review: Overall and Score

A tasty treat from the 70s. The Aroma is a sulfury fruit leather presentation that started out with a lot of musty old bottle effect (OBE) that’s mostly blown off over the weeks; Palate is darkly fruity and malty with less sulfur, but some is still there; Finish is more complex than expected with the fruit and spice coming through and I wish it hung around longer.

Sometimes old whiskies like this are complete gems, sometimes they’re horrible, but most are on the better side of average. This 1970s Inchgower 12 is just that, on the better side of average. It’s good and if you can snag one at an auction for a price you can live with it’s a fun whisky to taste and share with friends. Though definitely not something to go out of your way for.

SCORE: 85/100 (B)

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