When South Africa went into Covid shut down in March 2020, the movement of all alcohol into the country and around the country came to a grinding halt. No alcohol sales were allowed, and all bars and restaurants closed.
The alcohol ban put a stop to the launch of an exclusive bottling for the Bottega Whiskey Club, a Loch Lomond Inchmurrin 11 year old Single Cask Scotch whisky.
The Government lifted the alcohol restrictions in June, and we all breathed a sigh of relieve. We could restock our wine and spirits again. And fortunately, the exclusive batting managed to reach its destination.
During 2019, after a long process, Savi selected an exclusive cask from Loch Lomond Inchmurrin, especially for the Bottega’s 20th birthday celebrations. And after all the wait and drama, it has safely arrived in Johannesburg. I had the fantastic opportunity to taste it live on Instagram with Muzi Mathe, the Loch Lomond Brand Ambassador.
Also Read: Kilchoman Sanaig Whisky
Loch Lomond has various brands in its portfolio. I have written about many of the Loch Lomond, and Glen Scotia releases and the Glen Scotia Victoriana is my favourite. However, I have not tasted anything from Inchmurrin yet.
The Isle of Inchmurrin is the largest of Loch Lomond’s island and was once home to chapel built by monks in the 7th century. Inchmurrin defines their house style as soft, grassy and floral notes mixed with woody influences. The Inchmurrin core range includes a 12 year old, an 18 year old whisky as well as a Madeira wood finish release.
The Loch Lomond Inchmurrin 11 yo was matured in refill American Hogshead and then finished for 9 months in new French Limousin Oak. Experts consider Limousin oak as loose grained, which allows particular characteristics of the oak to impact on the whisky. Limousin is not a wood finish you see every day and is certainly unique.
The release is limited to only 371 bottles, so it is somewhat limited. It is non-chill-filtered and with natural colour.
ABV: 55.6%
COLOUR: Deep Gold
NOSE: Sweetness, fresh, green sapling with toasty malt and hints of fruit and vanilla. Rich and inviting.
PALATE: Spicier than what the nose promised. Oak spices with warming cinnamon and nutmeg balanced with roasted Brazil nuts, long grass and summer fruits. Bits of vanilla and faint wood in the background. It needs just a few drops of water to release a softer flower note. Big and bold, this release is perfect for winter.
FINISH: Oak spices, citrus with bits of fruity sweetness.
RATING: EXCELLENT
A delicious mouthful. I loved the spiciness balanced with sweetness. Neither overwhelmed each other. It works perfectly together. The wood notes in the background are like a beautiful ornate frame around the spice and sweetness.
I was surprised at how little water you needed to add to bring the flowers forward. Even though it has a huge ABV, it takes only a few drops of water to soften, and after adding the water, the change is pronounced.
The Inchmurrin 11 year old Scotch whisky excellent dram for winter to warm you up from the inside. It is one of those releases that you want to buy a bottle to drink and a bottle to keep.
I would, however, caution you not to wait too long before buying a bottle, because it is limited to only 371 bottles. It retails for R1 295, and you can find it online at Bottega whiskey.
Sample disclosure: I received this sample from Loch Lomond. Though received as part of a promotional event, the review and tasting notes are my honest, fair and independent thoughts on the whisky.
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