Description

Inchgower 2011 Aged 13 Years Single Malt Scotch Whisky – 100 Proof Edition #53 By Signatory Vintage (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 57.1%           Age: 13 Years Old           Country: Scotland

Cask Number(s): Edition #53
Matured In: First-Fill Oloroso Sherry Butts
Un-Chillfiltered

The Whisky

Discover one of the “coastal gems” of Speyside with the Inchgower 13 Year Old (Signatory 100 Proof Edition). Distilled in 2011 and bottled in 2025, this 700ml single malt is a standout entry in Signatory’s 100-Proof series, which honors the historic British proof standard of 57.1% ABV. This expression has been matured exclusively in First-Fill Oloroso Sherry Butts, a bold choice that marries Inchgower’s unique, salty distillate with the intense, spicy influence of top tier Spanish oak.

Inchgower is often referred to as “The Manzanilla of Speyside” due to its distillery’s proximity to the sea. Inside information regarding this 13 year old batch reveals a profile that is uncommonly robust; the first-fill sherry has imparted a deep, mahogany colour and a dense fruitiness that provides a perfect counterpoint to the distillery’s natural brine. Non-chill filtered and natural in colour, this is Inchgower in its most high definition form.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: A fascinating tug-of-war between land and sea. You are greeted by rich aromas of sticky dates, dark chocolate, and roasted walnuts, but this is immediately followed by a distinctive coastal breeze and sea spray. As it opens, notes of cured meats, ginger snaps, and polished antique wood emerge, creating a complex and savoury-sweet bouquet.

Palate: The mouthfeel is oily, spicy, and immensely powerful. The 57.1% ABV delivers an explosive arrival of salted caramel and black cherries, which quickly transitions into a mid-palate of espresso beans and bitter orange peel. The Inchgower character shines through with a persistent maritime salinity and a hint of flinty smoke, wrapped in the luxurious velvet of Oloroso sherry.

Finish: Long, drying, and intensely warming. The finish lingers with dark cocoa and clove, finally tapering off with a savoury flourish of toasted almonds and a final splash of brine.

The Distillery

Inchgower, located on the outskirts of Buckie near the mouth of the River Spey, is a distillery that marches to its own beat. While geographically a Speyside malt, its location just a mile from the Moray Firth gives the spirit a maritime, salty character usually reserved for Island whiskies. A unique factual detail: Inchgower is a vital component of the Bell’s blend, providing the “backbone” and nutty weight that the brand is famous for. Because so little is released as an official single malt, independent bottlings like this Signatory 100-Proof edition are the primary way for enthusiasts to experience this “salt-sprayed Speysider” at full strength.

Overall Review

The Inchgower 13 Year Old 100-Proof Edition is globally reviewed as a “superb maritime sherry bomb,” praised for its unique balance of salt and spice. Critics have lauded its “weighty and industrial” personality, noting that the first-fill Oloroso casks have added a layer of luxury that makes it a mandatory purchase for fans of Springbank or Talisker looking for a Speyside alternative.