Allt-a-Bhainne 2008/2019 Scottish Roadsign Edition No. 11 - Flickenschild
2025-04-25
Nose
The very first sniff reveals that this whisky is not for the faint-hearted. Lovage literally jumps into the nose and is reminiscent of a savoury kitchen aroma. This is accompanied by unusually distinctive notes of tobacco, followed by a softer sweetness reminiscent of caramel and rape honey. Delicate hints of toasted bread and a slightly cakey fragrance resonate in the background, giving the whole a warm base.
Taste
A veritable rollercoaster unfolds on the palate. The entry is intense and direct - fruitcake with a hint of apricot, before a wild shift to maritime notes. Dried seaweed, a hint of iodine and even something reminiscent of wall paint give the whisky an industrial, almost wild flavour. Mint and heather add a refreshing complexity that gives the character depth. Particularly exciting is the slightly chemical impression of thinner, which blends surprisingly well into the overall picture.
Finish
The finish is rather short, but concise. A sweetish spiciness lingers on the tongue, like a fleeting moment that lingers in the memory longer than you initially expect.
Thoughts
The Scottish Roadsign Edition No. 11 is not a whisky for the masses, but a statement for bold connoisseurs. The blend of savoury, maritime and industrial notes makes it a thought-provoking experience. This Allt-a-Bhainne has an almost provocative way of pushing the boundaries of the classic Speyside profile.
The whisky goes wonderfully with caramelised nuts or smoked salmon with a honey and mustard dressing and fresh rye bread.