Introduction
Independent bottlings always intrigue me, especially when they come from bottlers known for their eclectic selections. I’ve had mixed experiences with Inchmurrin in the past—it’s a distillate that can swing wildly depending on how it’s handled. So when I saw that the Thompson Bros had released a 12-year-old expression from this particular distillery, bottled exclusively for The Good Spirits Co. in Glasgow, I was curious. Their reputation for picking offbeat but characterful casks suggested this bottling might show a different side of Inchmurrin.
Nose
The nose was immediately open and expressive. I picked up vibrant orchard fruits—green apples, underripe pears, and white grapes— with a light, almost herbal freshness running underneath. There’s a slightly sour note, reminiscent of gooseberry or even fresh rhubarb, but it never feels off-putting. A trace of dry white wine also crept in as it sat in the glass—perhaps a Riesling with its floral lift and tart edge. It’s clearly an active spirit, youthful in a good way, with a clean distillate character that hasn’t been overwhelmed by oak.
Palate
It arrived on the tongue fresh and crisp, carrying over the fruits from the nose. There’s a nice mix of sweetness—think crystallised lemon peel and pear drop candies—but it avoids any cloying heaviness. The spirit texture is on the lighter side, but still oily enough to coat the mouth. A touch of vanilla and cereal grain shows up mid-palate along with some floral notes, maybe elderflower, and even a tiny whiff of mint. There’s not much oak influence here, which I appreciated—it allows the distillate to speak clearly.
Finish
The finish isn’t especially long, but it fades nicely with lingering hints of apple skin and a very soft lemon zest bitterness. There’s no burn and nothing jarring—just a clean, slightly drying end that encourages you to go back to the glass. A bit of chalky minerality lingers on the gums, which I found to be an interesting twist.
Price and Value
This bottle came in around the £60–65 mark—reasonable for a single cask, cask strength whisky from a reputable independent bottler. Given the character, clarity, and sheer drinkability of the dram, I’d say the price is well justified. Inchmurrin isn’t a name you often see people excited about, but this one is a good reminder that great spirit can come from unexpected places.
Background
Inchmurrin is one of the various styles of single malt produced at Loch Lomond Distillery, a facility known for its complex setup and wide range of still types. The distillery is located in the Highlands and often flies under the radar due to the diversity—and inconsistency—of its output. This particular release was distilled in 2011 and bottled in 2023 by the independent bottlers Thompson Bros at Dornoch. It was drawn from a refill barrel and bottled at a natural cask strength of 57.1%, without chill filtration or colouring. Only 271 bottles were available, making it a fairly limited release. You can find more about Loch Lomond's house styles from their official site.
Final Notes
Would I buy this bottle again? Yes—especially at this price point. It feels like a whisky that rewards casual sipping but also has enough going on for a more analytical tasting. Is it suitable for newcomers? Possibly, though the high ABV could be a bit much without dilution. A few drops of water opened it up further and softened some of the sharper edges. What kind of occasion suits this whisky? It’s something I’d reach for on a quiet evening when I want something clean, fruity, and honest—without the weight of cask trickery. And how does it compare to other Inchmurrins I’ve had? This one stands out for its freshness and clarity of character. It reminds me that spirit-led whiskies can still be memorable when done well.