Allt-A-Bhaine 1992 (Malts of Scotland)

Allt-A-Bhainne was mothballed in 2002 and re-opened in 2005. They’re producing almost exclusively for blending purposes.

Allt-A-Bhaine 18 yo 1992
(56,1%, Malts of Scotland 2011, bourbon hogshead #6, 273 btl.)

Nose: natural nose on barley and sweet grains. Hay. Some nice stone fruits in the background. Light oak influence with a little mint and juniper. Also a hint of chalk or dust.

Mouth: oily and sweet. Quite spicy (pepper) and a little hot. Something of a fruit liqueur although I wouldn’t call it fruity. Slightly raw and spirity, even with water.

Finish: rather long and neutral, with hints of liquorice and pepper.

A simple malt that’s very punchy and without obvious flaws. Typical blenders whisky I would say. We should applaud bottlers who try to find something different, even when they’re not always highflyers. Around € 80.

Score: 79/100