Inchgower distillery

Introduction to Inchgower

A distillery with passion for craftsmanship

Inchgower is a Scottish Highland distillery located in the coastal town of Buckie in Speyside, where the river Spey meets the Moray Firth. This unassuming distillery may not be among the most famous names in Scotch whisky, but it plays a crucial role in the industry as a key contributor to Bell’s blended whisky, while also producing characterful single malts with a distinctive maritime influence.

Nestled near the Moray coast, Inchgower benefits from its unique microclimate, creating whiskies that capture both the sweet, fruity notes typical of Speyside and the briny, coastal character of its location.

Why we have a soft spot for Inchgower

At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate distilleries that maintain their individual character while operating somewhat under the radar. Inchgower stands out for its ability to produce a spirit that reviewers often describe as “meaty” and “nutty” – a full-bodied whisky with distinctive coastal notes that sets it apart from other Speyside distilleries.

Its role as a backbone for blends hasn’t overshadowed its potential as a single malt, and independent bottlings of Inchgower reveal a whisky with tremendous depth and personality that rewards the curious enthusiast.

The History of Inchgower

Origin and development

Inchgower was established in 1871 by Alexander Wilson & Company after their previous distillery, Tochineal, had to be abandoned due to water supply issues. The new location in Buckie offered both quality water and convenient transportation links via the nearby port.

In 1936, the distillery was acquired by Arthur Bell & Sons, cementing its importance as a component in Bell’s blended whisky. It later became part of Diageo’s portfolio, where it remains today, continuing its dual role of supporting blends while occasionally being released as a single malt.

The people behind the spirit

Today, Inchgower operates under Diageo’s expert management, with a small team of dedicated craftspeople overseeing its production. Despite being part of a large corporation, the distillery maintains traditional practices and a distinct identity that comes through in its spirit character.

The distillery managers throughout its history have preserved Inchgower’s unique production methods, ensuring that this “maritime malt” continues to provide both complexity for blenders and character for single malt enthusiasts.

The Craft and Production

From raw materials to finished product

Production at Inchgower follows traditional Scottish whisky-making methods, starting with malted barley sourced from Diageo’s central malting facilities. The mashing and fermentation processes are conducted with careful attention to timing and temperature control.

Inchgower’s four copper pot stills are relatively small with a distinctive shape – featuring spherical lyne arms that slope slightly downward. This configuration encourages greater copper contact and helps create a fuller-bodied spirit with notable complexity.

Maturation and aging

The new make spirit is primarily matured in ex-bourbon American oak casks, which allow the robust, meaty character of the spirit to develop while adding vanilla, coconut, and sweet spice notes. Some expressions also see time in sherry casks, adding layers of dried fruit and nutty complexity.

The coastal warehouse location exposes the maturing spirit to maritime air, which many believe contributes to Inchgower’s distinctive briny, coastal character – creating a fascinating tension between sweet Speyside fruitiness and salty coastal influence.

Selected Products from Inchgower

Inchgower 14 Year Old Flora & Fauna – An introduction to the house style

This official bottling is the perfect entry point to experience the distillery’s character. Notes of nutty malt, citrus peel, and sea salt are balanced with honeyed sweetness and a touch of baking spices. Its full-bodied palate and slightly salty finish make it a distinctive Speyside experience.

Independent Bottlings – Experiences for connoisseurs

Single cask expressions from independent bottlers often reveal surprising facets of Inchgower’s personality. These bottlings can showcase elevated complexity with notes of waxy citrus, buttery pastry, maritime minerals, and sometimes unexpected tropical fruit notes – all while maintaining that characteristic full-bodied, slightly oily texture that makes Inchgower special.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

Unfortunately, Inchgower is not currently open to the public for tours or tastings. As a working distillery primarily focused on production for blends, it doesn’t offer visitor facilities.

However, whisky enthusiasts can still experience the coastal region surrounding the distillery, exploring the charming fishing town of Buckie and the beautiful Moray coastline that influences Inchgower’s distinctive character.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Inchgower?

Inchgower is a Speyside whisky distillery located near the coastal town of Buckie in Scotland. It produces single malt whisky characterized by its full-bodied, slightly salty character with nutty and fruity notes. While much of its production goes into Bell’s blended whisky, it’s also appreciated as a characterful single malt in its own right.

Where is Inchgower located?

The distillery is situated in Buckie, Moray, on the northeast coast of Scotland. Its coastal location at the edge of Speyside contributes to the unique character of its whisky, combining typical Speyside fruitiness with distinct maritime influences.

What characterizes Inchgower whisky?

Inchgower is known for producing a full-bodied, “meaty” spirit with a distinctive nutty character and subtle coastal influence. Official tasting notes often mention sweet malt, citrus, nuts, and a slightly salty finish. The texture is typically rich and mouth-coating, sometimes described as “oily” or “waxy,” creating a memorable drinking experience.

Where can I buy whisky from Inchgower?

You can find selected bottles from Inchgower at Vault of Spirits. We hand-pick the best expressions – including official releases and limited independent bottlings – to give you access to the unique character of this underappreciated Speyside distillery.