BALMENACH
Our seventh release was distilled at the Balmenach Distillery in Cromdale on the banks of the River Spey. The Distillery is one of the oldest Speyside distilleries, founded in 1824, so our release is in the distillery’s 200th year.
The whisky has been matured for a total of over 11 years, 10 years in an American oak refill Bourbon cask, then finished for 20 months in a Chateau Leoville, Bordeaux red wine barrel. This strong single malt is bottled at cask-strength of 59.9% with an out-turn of only 250 bottles.
Tasting Notes
Colour: Blush with Copper Lights.
Nose: The unreduced nose is lush with fresh raspberries, sweet berry compote, ripe strawberries and rosehip syrup. The influence of the wine is obvious but not overpowering. When reduced the aromas became more jammy with rich plum and damson. With time old fashioned tuberose and dried orange peel emerged.
Palate: The palate was instantly dry, the sweetness developed with pomegranate, and crisp cranberry, with tart rowan jelly. Water teased out a tart of black plums and spiced fruit loaf sprinkled with crystalline brown sugar and orange peel. Over time Turkish Delight rose and strawberries macerated with sweet balsamic vinegar.
Finish: Very dry at first but it relaxed well with water with a long and rolling finish over the palate.
