You don’t see independent Balmenach every day (actually you see them more often than official releases). The Whisky Exchange already selected a few from the Signatory Vintage stocks and they did the same for this year’s Whisky Show.
Balmenach 26 yo 1988
(51,1%, Signatory Vintage for The Whisky Exchange 2015, hogshead #3242, 192 btl.)
Nose: gentle nose, with a warm fruitiness: pineapple and overripe banana, with some bramble and stewed apple. Marmalade. Also honey and lots of hay. Vanilla and waxed oak. After a while some subtle leafy notes, light porridge and sweet herbs come out (mint, cinnamon).
Mouth: quite oily, with a similar fruity profile (nectarine, banana, lots of golden apple). Mixes with vanilla, cinnamon and a firm peppery touch. In the background there is a light floral touch. A few drops of water bring out more apples, honey and some zesty citrus notes.
Finish: medium, with white pepper, cinnamon and citrus.
Typical fruits (zesty and tropical) in this Balmenach. Very good whisky from an interesting distillery. Around € 150.
Score: 88/100