Murray McDavid - Cask Craft, Inchgower Distillery, Single Malt, Madeira Cask Finish, 44.5% ABV, Scotch Whisky

Murray McDavid’s Cask Craft series is designed to highlight the art of cask finishing, pairing carefully selected single malts with unique cask influences to enhance their natural character. This release from the Inchgower Distillery, located in Speyside, undergoes a finishing period in Madeira wine casks sourced from Portugal, adding layers of fruity sweetness, spice, and nuttiness to this already complex whisky. Bottled at 44.5% ABV, this single malt is non-chill filtered and retains its natural color, offering an authentic and balanced drinking experience.

Inchgower is known for its bold, slightly coastal style, and the Madeira finish complements its traditionally rich, nutty, and malty character beautifully.

Key Features

1. Distillery:

   • Inchgower Distillery, located in Speyside, is known for producing robust, slightly saline whiskies with a malty backbone, making it a favorite for blending and an ideal candidate for cask experimentation.

2. Cask Finish:

   • Finished in Madeira wine casks, which impart sweet, fruity flavors such as dried apricots, raisins, and citrus zest, as well as subtle nutty and spicy notes.

3. ABV:

   • Bottled at 44.5% ABV, giving it enough strength to showcase its layers of flavor while remaining approachable and easy to enjoy neat.

4. Non-Chill Filtered & Natural Color:

   • Preserves the whisky’s full body and authentic flavors without artificial coloring or filtration processes.

5. Non-Age Statement (NAS):

   • As part of the Cask Craft range, this whisky does not carry an age statement, focusing instead on the unique influence of the Madeira cask.

Tasting Notes

Appearance:

• A rich golden amber, with subtle copper tones, reflecting the influence of the Madeira wine casks.

Nose:

• Fruity and nutty, with aromas of dried apricots, orange peel, and sultanas.
• Hints of honey, caramel, and toasted almonds, alongside a faint coastal salinity characteristic of Inchgower’s spirit.
• A touch of baking spice (cinnamon and clove) rounds out the nose.

Palate:

• A harmonious balance of sweet and savory flavors:
  • Rich notes of candied fruits, figs, and marmalade lead the charge.
  • Subtle hints of dark chocolate, vanilla, and honeyed nuts emerge as it develops.
  • A soft spiciness from the Madeira cask (ginger and nutmeg) complements the whisky’s malty and slightly briny backbone.

Finish:

• Long and warming, with lingering flavors of dried fruits, oak spice, and a gentle nuttiness. A faint hint of salted caramel provides a satisfying conclusion.

Serving Suggestions

• Neat: Best enjoyed neat to fully appreciate the balance of sweet Madeira influence and Inchgower’s robust character.
• With Water: A few drops of water can enhance the fruity and nutty notes while softening the coastal salinity.
• Food Pairing: Pairs well with dark chocolate desserts, dried fruit platters, or creamy cheeses like brie or camembert.

Why Choose This Whisky?

This expression from Murray McDavid’s Cask Craft series highlights the versatility of Inchgower’s spirit while showcasing the unique contribution of Madeira wine casks. The result is a whisky that is bold, fruity, and well-balanced, making it a great choice for those who enjoy robust Speyside whiskies with a sweet and spicy twist. Whether you’re expanding your collection or looking for something to share, this single malt offers excellent value and a memorable drinking experience.