1980s Inchgower 12 Year Old Highland Malt 1 Litre

Inchgower 12 yo ‘De Luxe’ (70 proof, OB, Arthur Bell’s, c 1985)

The Inchgower 12 Year Old ‘De Luxe’—bottled by Arthur Bell & Sons in the 1970s–80s—is a vintage single malt that carries the unmistakable charm of old bottle effect (OBE), waxy textures, and Speyside complexity. Though it was marketed as a “Highland Malt,” Inchgower is technically a Speyside distillery, known for its spicy, slightly coastal spirit.

Here’s a composite profile based on enthusiast reviews and historical impressions:

Nose :- Crystalline fruit tang: Guava, Korean pear, and sugarcane. Waxy and smoky: Hints of old Bowmore-style smoke, paraffin, and dusty citrus. Industrial charm: A touch of plastic, hay, and faint metallic notes. Subtle florals: Dried blossoms and herbal tea

Palate :- Earthy and oily: Light peat, linseed oil, and dusty malt. Fruity undertones: Less prominent than the nose—pear, underripe stone fruit. Spice and bitterness: Tannin, dry herbs, and a metallic edge. Texture: Slightly thin due to 40% ABV, but still layered

Finish :- Short to medium: Fades with wax, citrus peel, and faint smoke. Lingering bitterness: Echoes of grapefruit and old wood

Overall Impression

This is a whisky that rewards patience and a collector’s palate. The OBE adds a layer of intrigue, and the fruit-smoke-wax interplay evokes comparisons to vintage Bowmore or Glenlochy. It’s not flashy—but it’s quietly complex, and unmistakably of its era.