I was really not expecting to love this whisky so much. Not that I have any preconceived notion of Inchgower, in fact I think it’s an absolute sleeper of a property and totally underrated. But it’s not known to wow and for $250 -even with the BIG 30 attached- its GOT TO WOW. But jeez this one delivers, although it’s not flashy by any means. The color is deep gold. The nose is VERY old school, not just old malt, but has the feeling of being bottled long ago. The nose is subtle but filled with ripe mango, nougat, dried pear, honey crisps, cherry candies, toasted barley and Tahitian vanilla. On the palate its ripe and round and complete. Strong vanilla still and plenty of honey, pointed with spicy galangal and shisho. Still some ultra ripe tropical fruit toward the finish. With just a drop or two of water this thing explodes with sweet fruit, more creamy nougat candy, wild raw honey and gorgeous pure barley. On the palate is adds a big of spice and some slight menthol and that first bite of a dark chocolate kirsch truffle. This stuff is absolutely exemplary and really very unique. Inchgower is sure to muscle up to the big boy table eventually and this is a big first step toward that moment.