INCHGOWER 2013 The Malty

Nose : lively, neat. On the initial nose, notes of yeast, freshly cut grass, green walnut and mustard seed surround the malted barley. Allowed to breathe, it is embellished with lemon and honey (acacia) tones. Next, praline and chocolate gradually produce a very unctuous and fruity (green apple, Williams pear) sensation.

Palate : elegant, precise. Wavering between ripe fruits (pear, apple) and bourbon vanilla, the attack is extremely precise. Nonetheless, malted barley quickly takes centre stage in the flavour palette. Lots of spices (star anise, nutmeg, clove, ginger) release their powerful flavours in a mid-palate marked particularly by citrus fruit (orange, grapefruit). At the end of the palate, dried fruits (almond, date, hazelnut) appear alongside notes of toast.

Overall : long, balanced. Not completely devoid of saltiness, the start of the finish is also roasted (coffee, tobacco). White mint then bring lots of freshness and energy. It becomes increasingly medicinal (ointment, mustard poultice) and liquoricey. The retronasal olfaction is very rich (vanilla flan) and very fruity (juicy Williams pear), also evoking a field of barley swept by a strong sea breeze. The empty glass has wonderful malty finesse.