Lindores 1494 Inaugural Release

Obviously the Lindores Abbey Distillery enjoys the reputation of the historically important location, the abbey which is considered by many to be the spiritual home of whisky, where Friar John Cor was ordered by King James IV to produce ‘aqua vitae from eight bols malt’. In 2013 a distillery was built on site and in 2017 the first distillated tricked from the stills. In the third week of April 2021 a friendly courier delivered my package with the long awaited Inaugural Release. I’m member 0701, chosen because it’s my birthday.

The nose is young, sweet (a bit candy-like) and tart on fresh figs, plums, candied sugar, nougat and blueberries. It also has a floral/herbal side, but all in all this is a very pleasant, fresh and fruity nose. Off to a good start.

Great mouth feel, good strength. Again sweet on dark fruit, but with a bright note of apple sauce, some menthol and lovely wood spices. Quite feisty. Nutmeg and cloves. Great note of salted caramel. What a pleasant surprise.

The finish is medium long in which the spices fade away gently and allow the sweet fruit to show it’s juicy side once more. It’s at the death that a new make-y note manifests itself, making me giddy as a kid.

Very nice first release, which makes me happy. I can imagine that Friar John Cor would like this too. As far as I am aware, the memberships, limited to 1494, is still available. Check their website if you are interested.