Invergordon 1988 “Vintage Strawberry Punnet”

Invergordon 1988 “Vintage Strawberry Punnet”, 46 %

The independent bottler Wemyss Malts recently released a new batch of single cask whiskies. One of the new releases was the single grain whisky Invergordon 1988 "Vintage Strawberry Punnet". This whisky was distilled in 1988, bottled in 2014, and the total outturn was 242 bottles.

Invergordon is, as far as I know, the only grain distillery in the Northern Highlands of Scotland. They started production around 1960, and are today owned by Whyte & Mackay. Their annual production is in the region of 40 million lpa.

This single grain whisky has not yet reached the shops, but will be available online shortly. No news yet on whether it will arrive in stores in Norway or Sweden.

Nose (22/25): Light and sweet. Fresh berries (possibly strawberries?) served with a vanilla sauce. Milk chocolate, mild oak notes, artificial sweetener and more than a hint of bourbon actually.  Slightly perfumy character, but certainly on the pleasant side.

Taste (20/25): Very oily mouth-feel - melted, unsalted butter perhaps? Sweet berries still, some caramel and white chocolate.

Finish (19/25): More oak and caramel on the finish. Perfume and flowers. Medium length and medium warmth. Still a lot of oil or unsalted butter.

Balance (20/25): A nice dram, where the nose did promise a bit more than what the palate could deliver.

Score (81/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas