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Scotch Whisky Review: Clan Ardgowan Open Day 2024 Inverdarach Editions

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Scotch Whisky Review: Clan Ardgowan Open Day 2024 Inverdarach Editions

by Mark Bostock
May 3, 2025

Mark Bostock, a whisky enthusiast specializing in independent bottlings.

Tasting Notes:

About:

Released in celebration of the Inverclyde based, Ardgowan Distillery’s Open Day on September 7th 2024. With construction in the final stages, Ardgowan’s £20 million “Cathedral of Whisky” is due to commence production in 2025, although it will be some time before we get to sample the distillery’s inaugural release. In the meantime, Ardgowan are currently producing the Clydebuilt blended whisky range, and the Inverdarach Editions a collection of single cask and small-batch single malt (mainly sherry cask matured) releases. A limited-edition Inverdarach release, Ardgowan’s Open Day 2024 expression is a 10-Year-Old ‘Secret Highland’ single malt which marries four 1st fill sherry hogshead casks selected by Ardgowan’s Master Whisky maker, Max McFarlane, yielding 1366 bottles, and bottled at 56% ABV.

Appearance:

Rich Mahogany

Nose:

Aromas of rich sherry and stewed fruits, raisins and figs, balanced with the sweetness of heather honey and roasted hazelnuts. Distinctive woody notes of polished teak and mahogany.

Palate:

On the palate, dominated by malty oat biscuits and rich chocolate, before notes of old paper and antique books – slightly musty. Followed by malty black Assam tea, and sweet cigar smoke.

Finish:

A long, lingering, and slightly drying finish. Oaky notes, black tea, and cigar smoke.

Comments:

A well balanced and complex layered whisky, I especially like the balance between sherry sweetness and the slightly savoury wood and malty tea notes. I’m told this possibly not-so-secret Highland malt, originates from the MacDuff distillery which primarily provides component malt for owner John Dewar & Sons blends.

The Ardgowan Open Day 2024 expression recently was declared the winning whisky in the lineup for a charity whisky tasting I held with the help of my tasting group supporting our local hospice. An excellent whisky, with plenty of rich sherry maturation.

Given the high-quality expressions released under the Inverdarach Editions label, I’m interested to see what Ardgowan produces in the future – I think this distillery will be one to watch!

Mark Bostock

Mark Bostock, an integral part of the Mark Littler LTD UK content writing team since 2019, brings a genuine passion for whisky, especially independent bottlings, to his work. His commitment to expanding his knowledge through attending tasting events and building his own collection enriches his contributions, blending expertise with enthusiasm.

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