Over to Loch Lomond distillery for this 10 year old Inchmurrin that has spent its entire 10 years maturing in a 2nd fill ex-madeira hogshead. Deep, Rich & Dried Fruits profile.
Nose: Rich, heady and jammy. Orange marmalade, rum-soaked raisins, dark chocolate and a hint of Bovril start things off. Almond nuttiness, tobacco pouches and sticky toffee pudding continue the rich and deep aromas. There’s an interesting hint of salinity on the nose – salted caramel anyone? The addition of water brings out some stewed fruitiness – plums, dates and berry flans – whilst adding a touch more sweetness in the form of icing sugar.
Taste: Softer and more spicy. Apples covered in caramel sauce, brown sugars, raisins and leather are joined by musty spices – cardamom, cinnamon and ginger. There are some bready/yeasty flavours here (Belgian waffles apparently?!), and again that hint of saltiness on the back palate. Water makes everything much more syrupy whilst adding pleasant hints of chocolate and ground coffee beans.
Finish: Medium in length with some astringent spicing and a sprinkle of salt.
A deep and full-bodied Inchmurrin that has taken a lot of character from its madeira hogshead and displays it proudly. I found better balance with a few drops of water, but this is still surprisingly drinkable at its natural 57.6% ABV. Rich, jammy and dark – something for savouring by the fire after an indulgent dinner.