Whisky Review/Tasting: Inchmurrin 12 years
Physical Whisky Characteristics
- Origin: Produced at Loch Lomond Distillery, located in the southern part of Loch Lomond, Scotland.
- Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
- Distillation Process: Utilizes two special pot stills with a rectifier and five plates for re-distillation, resulting in a smooth and clean spirit.
- Maturation Process: Aged in three types of casks: bourbon, refill, and rechar, which are manually or automatically brushed and recharred to impart fresh aromas.
- Age Statement: 12 years.
- Color and Clarity: Described as quite dark for its age, indicating a rich coloration.
- Bottle Design: The packaging has changed from a metal tube to a more cost-effective cardboard box after the distillery's acquisition by a financing corporation.
Whisky Flavor Profile
- Balance of Flavors: A perfectly balanced single malt with a complex array of flavors.
- Unique Characteristics: Exhibits a very fruity character with notes of peach, blossom, pear, golden barley, vanilla, oranges, citrus, and a sweeter fruit salad profile.
- Comparison: Not directly compared to other whiskies, but its unique distillation process and cask maturation set it apart.
Whisky Storytelling
- Distillery Anecdotes: Horst Luening, the mastertaster, shares his personal visit to Loch Lomond Distillery and his experience with the cask recharing process.
- Production Insights: The innovative distillation technique using pot stills with a rectifier and the detailed cask preparation process are highlighted.
Cultural or Geographical Significance
- Loch Lomond Distillery: Situated in a popular vacation spot for Glasgow residents, the distillery's location and its connection to the Inchmurrin Island lend a unique identity to the whisky.
- Island Collection: Part of a collection that celebrates the islands of Loch Lomond, indicating a broader thematic significance in the distillery's range.
Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes
- "The resulting spirit is very smooth and clean...showing a very very fruity character."
- "These whiskies are then brought together delivering a perfectly balanced single malt."
- "It's really something special."
Summary
- Inchmurrin 12 years is a single malt Scotch whisky produced at Loch Lomond Distillery, featuring a unique distillation process and maturation in three types of casks.
- The whisky has a rich, fruity flavor profile with a balance of sweetness and spiciness, and a distinctive smoothness attributed to its distillation method.
- The distillery's geographical location and the innovative cask recharing process contribute to the whisky's storytelling appeal.
- The whisky is part of the Island Collection, highlighting its cultural significance.
- Expert opinions praise the whisky's balance, unique distillation process, and special character.
Recommendations for Different User Profiles
- Whisky Enthusiasts: Those interested in unique distillation processes and cask maturation techniques.
- Fruit-Flavored Whisky Lovers: Individuals who prefer a sweeter, fruitier whisky profile.
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: With its mid-30s price point for a 12-year-old single malt, it offers value for money.
- Collectors: The change in packaging and the story behind the distillery's acquisition might appeal to those interested in the evolution of whisky brands.