Description

Inchgower 2008 Aged 15 Years Cask 806198 Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Infrequent Flyers #98 (700ml)

Volume: 700ml             ABV: 54%             Age: 15 Years Old             Country: Scotland

Cask Number(s): 806198
Date of Distilling: 2008
Matured In: a single Pedro Ximénez (PX) Sherry Puncheon
Un-Chillfiltered

Alistair Walker is a highly experienced professional in the Scotch whisky industry, with a career spanning over two decades, including significant roles at Burn Stewart Distillers and The BenRiach Distillery Company (which also owned GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh). He founded his independent bottling company in 2018. Launched in July 2019, this is the flagship brand of his company. The name “Infrequent Flyers” reflects Alistair’s mission to bottle whiskies from distilleries that are less commonly seen as single malts or whose expressions are not widely available. It also hints at the unique, sometimes unexpected, character of the individual casks he selects. Alistair Walker is dedicated to bottling whiskies in their most authentic form, typically as single cask bottlings, un-chill filtered, natural colour and cask strength. Alistair is known for his expertise in cask selection and management, often utilising diverse and interesting cask types (like the refill sherry butt here) to influence the whisky’s profile and bring out different facets of the spirit.

Situated near the coastal town of Buckie, on the Moray Firth in the Speyside region of Scotland. This proximity to the sea is often cited as a reason for its subtly maritime character, which is unusual for a Speyside distillery. Inchgower was founded in 1871 by Alexander Wilson & Co. and rebuilt in 1966. It is currently owned by Diageo, one of the world’s largest spirits companies. Inchgower is known for a few distinct aspects of its production. It uses purifiers in its spirit stills, which help to ensure a lighter, purer spirit by sending heavier vapours back for re-distillation. Despite being a Speyside distillery, its new make spirit often carries a distinctive estery, almost waxy or oily quality, sometimes with a subtle brininess, distinguishing it from many of its fruitier neighbours. This characteristic makes it a valuable component in blends. Purpose: The vast majority of Inchgower’s production is destined for blended whiskies, particularly Johnnie Walker and Bell’s. As a result, official single malt bottlings from Inchgower have historically been quite rare, making independent bottlings like this one particularly sought after by enthusiasts keen to experience its unique character unblended.

This is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, distilled at Inchgower in 2008 and matured for 15 years. It was bottled from cask #806198, which was a Pedro Ximénez (PX) Sherry Puncheon. A puncheon is a large cask, typically holding around 500 liters, commonly used for sherry. Pedro Ximénez sherry is an intensely sweet, dark sherry made from sun-dried grapes, known for imparting rich notes of dried fruits, molasses, and chocolate to whisky. This active sherry influence will beautifully complement Inchgower’s spirit. It was bottled at a robust cask strength of 54% alc/vol and was a limited release of 555 bottles.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Expect enticing aromas of caramel, dark chocolate (like a Bounty bar), and rich morello cherries. There are underlying notes of toasted oak and a subtle hint of aniseed. Some might detect the faint brininess or waxy character of Inchgower trying to peek through the sweetness.

Palate: A lush, dessert-style profile. The PX influence is strong but generally well-balanced, not overwhelming the spirit. You’ll find notes of caramelised Demerara sugar, dark dried fruits (raisins, figs), and possibly hints of molasses or treacle. The unique oily/waxy texture of Inchgower often comes through, providing a satisfying mouthfeel.

Finish: Weighty and rich, with buttered malt loaf, lasting brown liquorice allsorts, and a lingering sweetness combined with subtle spice. The PX notes will continue to dominate in a pleasant, warming way.

This particular bottling is a prime example of how Inchgower’s sturdy spirit, often appreciated for its subtle maritime and waxy notes, can beautifully integrate with and be transformed by a powerful and sweet PX sherry cask. A rare and indulgent opportunity to taste a mature expression from a distillery whose unique spirit is typically reserved for blends, now beautifully transformed by a rich PX sherry puncheon. It’s a testament to the quality selection by a reputable independent bottler.