Invergordon 1988 "Caribbean Crème" (Wemyss Malts)

Invergordon 1988 "Caribbean Crème", 26 YO, 46 %

We can't be drinking single malts exclusively. We have to venture a bit further out from time to time. One very natural destination then is grain whisky. Grains are for the most part used as a key component in blended whiskies (well that goes for most single malts as well - being used in blends, that is). Single grains are not found as often on the shelf as single malts, but they can be well worth seeking out.

The dram we are enjoying today is an Invergordon 1988 "Caribbean Crème" from independent bottler Wemyss Malts. It is a single cask release, distilled in 1988, and bottled in 2014. The total outturn was 171 bottles from this barrel. The Invergordon 1988 "Caribbean Crème" was officially launched in February 2015.

We have previously reviewed a sister cask of this one, see here for details.

You can buy this single cask, single grain whisky in Norway at NOK 1537 (item 2162001), and in Sweden at SEK 1189 (item number 84870).

Nose (22/25): Very soft and delicate. Milk chocolate, citrus and warm sand. Delightful notes of an old bourbon barrel; vanilla, marshmallows and powdered sugar with mild fruit flavors. Strawberries and Prosecco. A hint of wood. Echoes of summer, really.

Taste (20/25): Warm and quite oily. A very soft mouthfeel. Vanilla, ripe banana and ginger.

Finish (20/25): Oily, with a hint of an attitude - peppery and spicy. Then it settles down in front of the fireplace, warm and cozy - with classic Meatloaf ballads on the the stereo. Wood spices make up the finish - a dusty, old wooden desk.

Balance (21/25): This is no punk rocker of a dram, but it does like to listen to old punk classics when no one else is around. Echoes of summer on the nose, and wintery dreams of summer to taste. Fun stuff!

Score (83/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas