Balmenach 8 Year Old Barrique Finish - Best Dram
Rich, Dried Fruits2024-04-10
Smell
The nose of the 8-year-old Balmenach single malt is intense and immediately present. A clear note of ripe cherry jam immediately hits the senses, accompanied by deep nuances of fermented plums. A touch of heavy red wine and a hint of cane sugar round off the bouquet, while deep red wine gums add a sweet and tantalising dimension.
Taste
The first sip reveals a powerfully sweet flavour characterised by ripe fruit and subtle vinous notes. Dark wine gums provide a complex sweetness, while a pleasant warmth envelops the palate. A surprising sulphur note, reminiscent of rotten egg, adds an unexpected nuance.
Finish
The finish is extremely spicy and long-lasting, with a lingering sweetness that gradually gives way to a drier character. Dark chocolate remains.
Thoughts
The surprisingly dry finish forms an interesting contrast to the initial sweetness of the whisky and gives it an additional dimension. Overall, the Balmenach 8 year old presents itself as a tasty and powerful single malt with unusual flavours that really comes to the fore. The sulphur notes can be perceived as disturbing, but that is a matter of taste.