Allt-a-Bhainne 2006 A dreamy nighttime drink Cask 108.34 - The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
Nose
From the very first sniff, the whisky reveals an unusual but fascinating palette of flavours. A hint of WD40 - industrial but not overpowering - is paired with floral notes and sweet honey. A hint of roasted sugar is reminiscent of a crème brûlée crust, while vanilla ice cream and coconut add a tropical accent. A subliminal scent of Marsala rounds off the olfactory experience.
Taste
This whisky envelops the palate with its oily, smooth mouthfeel. Notes of honey and malt come to the fore, while subtle floral nuances and a light spiciness unfold. The sweetness on the lips gives the whisky a pleasant balance, while a hint of hay adds a refreshing, earthy component. Despite the high alcohol content, the flavour remains soft and inviting.
Finish
The finish is long, flowing and warming - a real highlight that emphasises the character of the whisky.
Thoughts
The Allt-a-Bhainne 2006 (Cask 108.34) is an exceptional whisky that impresses with both its intensity and its balance. Its unusual flavour, smooth texture and warming finish make it an ideal nightcap for long evenings. Its 64.4 % ABV demands respect, but rewards with a density of flavours that is second to none.
Allt-a-Bhainne 2006 is particularly suitable for dishes with a harmonious sweetness or subtle flavour. Whether savoury nuts, creamy cheese or elegant desserts such as coconut macaroons or white chocolate.
Rating: 87/100 - Excellent (Marcel: 88 | Sascha: 85)
Value for Money: 4/5 - Good
FAQ: The Most Common Questions
❓ What does the WD40 note in the Allt-a-Bhainne 2006 mean and is this a quality defect?
👉 The WD40 note is not a damage, but a fascinating flavour profile that can occur in some whiskies. This "industrial" note is created by special ester compounds during fermentation or by certain yeast strains.
❓ Why does this Allt-a-Bhainne have 64.4% ABV and how do you drink it properly?
👉 The Scotch Malt Whisky Society always bottles its whiskies at cask strength in order to preserve the authentic flavours. At 64.4% ABV, this whisky is very concentrated and should be treated with respect. Recommendation: Start with small sips neat to explore the variety of flavours. You can then add distilled water drop by drop to release new layers of flavour. The oily-smooth mouthfeel helps to soften the intensity.
❓ What makes Allt-a-Bhainne special as a distillery and why is it relatively unknown?
👉 Allt-a-Bhainne (pronounced "Olt-a-Vanya") is a Speyside distillery founded in 1975 that mainly produces for blends. The majority of its production goes to Chivas Regal, which is why official single malt bottlings are very rare. Independent bottlers such as SMWS make such rarities accessible. The distillery is known for elegant, complex whiskies with floral and sweet notes - typically Speyside, but with a character of their own.