Starting the week with two well aged grains from Invergordon bottled by Thompson Bros. and Fragrant Drops.
Thompson Bros Invergordon 1974 49yo Cask #59
Region: Highlands
ABV: 40.0%
Price: £215.00
First up we have a 49 year old Invergordon that was distilled in 1974 and left to mature in refill bourbon hogshead until bottling in 2023. Just 109 bottles were released.
Nose
The nose opens with heaps of grain sweetness, vanilla fondant, spearmint, buttercream, eucalyptus and a little biscuity shortbread. It’s a classic old grain, mellow alcohol yet full on punchy cask influence showing through. Going back and we’re finding fudge, butterscotch and a little white chocolate too.
Palate
The palate begins with a milky, creamy mouthfeel, impressive for the low ABV, with notes of mint tic tacs, lemon merengue, lime zest and a drizzle of vanilla frosting. The finish lasts for a decent length, with a bit of white pepper and toffee popcorn lingering. Time and air brings out a little artificial sweetener, basil and some cereal flavours too.
Nose (with water)
The reduced nose doesn’t differ too much from pre-dilution, we’re still getting lots of the sweet grain and bourbon cask aromas. The sweetness feels slightly more artificial, and there’s a bit more menthol coming through.
Palate (with water)
The reduced palate has more upfront menthol flavours, we’re getting sugar-dipped mint leaves, sugar syrup and a bit of oak spice appearing towards the latter part of the palate. It really doesn’t need any water though.
Conclusion
We do love old grain, and think it’s such an underrated style of whisky.. and this is a solid example of this style. It’s not overly complex, it’s not going to take you by surprise, but it’s just a great dram that we’d come back to when we need our old grain fix.
Score: 8/10
Value
Thompson Bros usually offer great value and this release follows that trend.
Fragrant drops Invergordon 35yo
Region: Highlands
ABV: 41.0%
Price: £99.95
Next up we have a 35 year old Invergordon that is a vatting of two refill bourbon barrels that were distilled 7th December 1987 and left to mature until bottling on the 2nd October 2023. Just 187 bottles were released.
Nose
On the nose, we’re finding light aromas of toffee, caramel, discarded tea leaves and lemon balm, but the nose is a bit tight and we’re spending a lot of time pulling these aromas out. We’re also finding a little bit of torched oak, sponge cake and Chantilly cream.
Palate
The palate has lots of toffee popcorn up front, moving into ground ginger, mint leaves and cacao beans. There’s also lime zest, Wrigley’s chewing gum and caramel wafers. The mouthfeel is nice, not super textured but still pleasant, and the finish sticks around for a medium length with mainly menthol and herbal flavours lingering. Really good alcohol integration, as expected for the ABV.
Nose (with water)
The reduced nose shows a little more upfront menthol, digestive biscuit, lemon and some warehouse must too. The nose is still a touch restrained, but it’s no issue to get deep into the glass to find these aromas.
Palate (with water)
The reduced palate opens with all the menthol.. toothpaste, chewing gum, just lots and lots of sweet mint. There’s some vanilla developing as the palate progresses, alongside a lime leaf and the faintest hint of aniseed in the background.
Conclusion
A lovely example of a well aged grain, with richer flavours and aromas coming through from the great quality oak. It’s a little closed off at first, but some air opens it up and we’re more than happy to have another dram.
Score: 7.5/10
Value
Great dram at a bargain price.
- 10 - Perfection. One in a million
- 9 - Outstanding. Exceptional whisky.
- 8 - Great. Would seek this out.
- 7 - Good. Quality whisky.
- 6 - Above average. Happy to have a dram.
- 5 - Average. Drinkable whisky.
- 4 - Below average. Passable.
- 3 - Flawed. Noticeable negatives.
- 2 - Defective. Significant faults.
- 1 - Offensive. Pour it out.
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