Description

Inchgower 14 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Cadenhead Original Collection (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 46%           Age: 14 Years Old            Country: Scotland

Date of Bottling: 2024
Matured In: Ex-Springbank casks for 12 years before being transferred to refill Pedro Ximénez (PX) sherry casks in 2022
Un-Chillfiltered, No added colour

The Whisky

Dive into the coastal intrigue of the Inchgower 14 Year Old from Cadenhead’s Original Collection. Distilled in 2009 and bottled in 2024, this 700ml expression is a fascinating study in contrast. For the first 12 years, the spirit matured in ex-Springbank casks, absorbing a unique “whisper” of Campbeltown smoke and waxiness. In 2022, it was re-racked into refill Pedro Ximénez (PX) Sherry casks for a two-year finish that polished the distillery’s rugged edges with a layer of dark, decadent sweetness.

Bottled at 46% ABV, this release is a rare spotlight for a distillery whose malt is almost entirely claimed for iconic blends like Bell’s and Johnnie Walker. Inside information reveals that the choice of refill PX casks was deliberate; it provides the rich, syrupy fruit expected from Sherry without overwhelming the “lean and grassy” DNA that makes Inchgower a cult favourite among enthusiasts. Non-chill filtered and natural in colour, it is an honest, complex, and maritime-influenced dram.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: A dense and comforting introduction. You are greeted by condensed milk and melted stringy toffee, followed by the rich scent of stewed raisins and almond butter. As the glass breathes, it reveals a nostalgic “old greenhouse” note and a subtle wisp of light peat carried over from its time in Springbank oak.

Palate: The mouthfeel is oily and characteristically coastal. It opens with salted caramel and wine gums, which quickly give way to a distinctive brine and maritime salinity. Mid-palate, the PX influence shines through with flavours of cola syrup and honey-roasted cashews, balanced by a gentle ginger spiciness.

Finish: Long and satisfyingly savoury-sweet. The finish lingers with a final trail of cola cubes, toasted nuts, and a drying hint of oak tannins that leaves the palate clean and refreshed.

The Distillery

The Inchgower Distillery, located on the outskirts of the fishing town of Buckie, is often called the “Manzanilla of Speyside” due to its uniquely salty, coastal character. Founded in 1871, the distillery has a truly eccentric history; after going bankrupt in 1936, it was purchased and run by the Buckie Town Council for two years—the only time a local authority has ever operated a distillery in Scotland. A unique factual detail: Inchgower intentionally produces cloudy wort during its mashing process, a technique that extracts more lipids and proteins to ensure the final spirit is robust, spicy, and full-bodied.

Overall Review

The Inchgower 14 Year Old Cadenhead Original is globally reviewed as a “sophisticated and unconventional” malt that perfectly marries maritime salt with sherry sweetness. Critics have praised the Springbank cask influence for adding a layer of depth rarely found in Speyside whiskies, making it a mandatory purchase for those who enjoy “under-the-radar” gems.