Balmenach is one of Speyside’s most old-fashioned traditional distilleries: small stills, worm tubs… producing old-style whisky that matures slowly and is in high demand with blenders. Despite its limited fame I’ve had a few great ones.
This Balmenach 15 Years if from the Boutique-y Whisky collection.
Balmenach 15 yo
(50,1%, That Boutique-y Whisky Company 2018, Batch #5, 142 btl. btl.)
Nose: very fresh, with lemons and orange blossom, white flowery touches as well as tart (goose)berries and hints of apple pastry. Springtime. Some white bread and subtle hints of gravel in the background.
Mouth: spicy bread, with bags of limes and grapefruits on the side. Sicilian lemonade. Green apple. Even a slightly tropical hint. Nutmeg and cinnamon from the wood.
Finish: medium, on barley notes, citrus (peel) and pepper.
Fresh as a daisy, perhaps a little lighter / younger than the age suggests but not without character. A nice daily dram. Available from Master of Malt.
Score: 83/100