Inchgower 11 Years Old 2012 Cask #C23080 (Claxton’s)

Classed by Diageo among its nutty and spicy malts, Inchgower is the Manzanilla of Speyside, its coastal saltiness setting it apart from its floral neighbours. Claxton's selected this single cask, distilled in 2012, and released it at 11 years old in its Warehouse No. 1 range. Single cask C23080 gave 137 bottles, released for Europe.

A quick mashing regime and a warmer second water give Inchgower the savoury, saline character that earns it the Manzanilla of Speyside nickname. This bottling matured in an Oloroso sherry cask.

Bottled at its natural cask strength of 58%, without dilution, the Oloroso butt drives fig and date, the spirit's saline edge cutting through the sherry sweetness. At 11 years the wood and the salty, nutty spirit are roughly in balance.