2008 Gordon & Macphail Connoisseurs Choice Balmenach Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
Speyside, Highlands,
SCOTLAND
$110. 00
Bottle
$1320.00 Dozen
ABV: 46%
Balmenach is presently owned by Inver House Distillers who have no immediate plans to release it as an official distillery bottling.
According to one report, "The reason for this is that the make – whose style is unusual these days – is too highly-prized as fillings for blends, both by Inver House and other firms."
It makes this indie edition all the more special. Matured in first fill Sherry and refill bourbon barrels, this has the added bonus of being non-chill filtered and bottled at 46%. Situated in the district of Cromdale on the banks of the River Spey, Balmenach stands beneath the nearby hill of Tom Lethendry where the Jacobites were defeated in the Battle of Cromdale in 1690. It is one of the earliest distilleries sanctioned as a result of the Excise Act 1823. In 1897, Balmenach was purchased by Glenlivet and was served by its own railway branch off the Strathspey Railway until 1969. The distillery closed in 1941 and re-opened in 1947 following expansion of its facilities. Notes from the bottler... Nose without Water: Subtle Sherry aromas mingle with crème brûlée, apple, and fresh lemon notes. Palate without Water: Peppery initially with butterscotch, ripe banana, and orange zest flavours. A milk chocolate flavour develops and is complemented by a peppermint undertone. Nose with Water: Vanilla custard, toasted malt, and banana aromas are lifted by a zest lime edge. Palate with Water: Smooth and creamy with bursts of pepper. Raspberry, orange, and chocolate flavours combine with a sweet hint of toffee. Body: Light. Finish: Medium in length; sweet and spicy. 46% Alc./Vol.
According to one report, "The reason for this is that the make – whose style is unusual these days – is too highly-prized as fillings for blends, both by Inver House and other firms."
It makes this indie edition all the more special. Matured in first fill Sherry and refill bourbon barrels, this has the added bonus of being non-chill filtered and bottled at 46%. Situated in the district of Cromdale on the banks of the River Spey, Balmenach stands beneath the nearby hill of Tom Lethendry where the Jacobites were defeated in the Battle of Cromdale in 1690. It is one of the earliest distilleries sanctioned as a result of the Excise Act 1823. In 1897, Balmenach was purchased by Glenlivet and was served by its own railway branch off the Strathspey Railway until 1969. The distillery closed in 1941 and re-opened in 1947 following expansion of its facilities. Notes from the bottler... Nose without Water: Subtle Sherry aromas mingle with crème brûlée, apple, and fresh lemon notes. Palate without Water: Peppery initially with butterscotch, ripe banana, and orange zest flavours. A milk chocolate flavour develops and is complemented by a peppermint undertone. Nose with Water: Vanilla custard, toasted malt, and banana aromas are lifted by a zest lime edge. Palate with Water: Smooth and creamy with bursts of pepper. Raspberry, orange, and chocolate flavours combine with a sweet hint of toffee. Body: Light. Finish: Medium in length; sweet and spicy. 46% Alc./Vol.