Invergordon 45 Year Old 1972 The Grainman

Invergordon is one of the few grain distilleries that cannot be found in the Lowlands. The factory is owned by Whyte and Mackay and was only built in 1959. Between 1965 and 1977 there was even a malt distillery operational, but their Ben Wyvis is by now as scarce as a trustworthy photograph of Nessie. In my glass is an Invergordon from 1972 that matured for no less than 45 years on a bourbon cask. It was bottled by the Meadowside Blending Company, which we know from their label ‘The Maltman’. Logic dictates that their single grain releases are thus bottled under the banner ‘The Grainman’. At first I get the typical notes of varnish, followed by parma violets and corn on the barbecue. After some air, the nose offers coconut, banana, marzipan and rye bread with a thick layer of farmer’s butter. Some dark beer and candy floss, brown sugar and speculoos. Outstanding! The body is creamy, but the first sip is so sweet that my teeth almost drop out of my mouth. Despite the relative modest ABV, it prickles quite a bit. At first it reminds me of a cheap bourbon, but it quickly recovers to turn into a banana split with lots of whipped cream. A light bitter touch of oak and a lovely acidity as if a few drops of lemon juice were sprinkled on top. White chocolate. Thyme and mirabelles. Apples. Evolves towards cognac. This is actually quite complex! The finish is – for a grain whisky – quite long. Sweet, peppery, mildly bitter and finally pretty dry. Wow, that was unexpectedly impressive. Liquid dessert with a high cuddle factor. Thanks, Manny!