Inchmurrin 18 Year Old

By tweaking the distillation process (making use of no less than three types of stills), Loch Lomond produces no less than seven different types of single malt. Their best known is probably Loch Lomond single malt. But this one does not have a very good reputation, which was confirmed after tasting the NAS version. Hopefully, this 18 Year Old can turn the tide (to use a seaman’s term, keeping Capitain Haddock in from Tintin in mind).

Ouch, that nose is simply awful. It would seem the spirit matured not in oak casks but in cardboard boxes. I even get some cleaning solvent. Hints of flower and butter, which also cannot please either. Wait. I do get some wood. But it is not oak as if from a cask. It is rotting wood in a old barn. After a few moments, some fruit does appear in the form of overripe oranges. Too little, too late.

On the palate, these oranges come first and it seems to be going in the right direction, but it does not last. Immediately it is overrun by more wet cardboard and hints of burnt butter.

The finish is merciless, hassling you for several minutes.

Bottling this should be punishable!