Origin: Speyside (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 54.2%ABV
Ageing cask: Ex-Sherry Oloroso 1st fill
Chillfiltered: No
Added colouring: No
Owner: Morisco Spirits
Price: € 109.00 on Morisco Spirits
Official website: moriscospirits.com
Ratalanga was the pseudonym of Gabriele Galantara, a satirical illustrator from the Marche region and effectively the first of his kind in Italy, to whom this bottling pays tribute, alongside the equally Marche-born (and sometimes a bit satirical) Andrea Morisco, in collaboration with Leonardo Bedini from the Taverna dell’Artista, in Montelupone.
The Inchgower distillery is one of the many in Diageo’s portfolio that exists to supply their blends, of which there are practically no original bottlings except for the Flora & Fauna range. Located on the coast in Speyside, it was established in 1871 and came under the ownership of Guinness (and future Diageo) in 1985, and throughout its history, it has always served as an ingredient for blends, first for Bell and then for the multinational giant.
Tasting Notes
It is difficult to hide its maturation; on the nose, it is proudly sherried, especially at first approach, with a profusion of sour cherries, nutmeg, dried figs with almonds, ripe plums, candied orange, Sachertorte, and a hint of coffee. As it opens in the glass, it reveals a second layer of malt and mildew. The influence of the cask is deep but not overwhelming. Direct.
Of good body, it is inevitable that the script repeats itself on the palate, with the addition of a marked spiciness (black pepper, ginger, chili). To the notes of the olfactory sense is added a greater influence of nuts (almonds, pecans) with hints of sweet licorice, cooked balsamic vinegar, and vegetal inflections in length.
Finale quite long, dry, and spicy, with red notes, nuts, licorice, coffee, cocoa, vegetal veins, and a slight trace of salt.
Review: A classic sherried bomb, which also attempts to offer some personal notes, but essentially provides what you would expect. Well-constructed and decisive, perfect for genre enthusiasts.
Vote: 84/100