Allt-a-Bhainne 2008/2019 Scottish Roadsign Edition No. 11 - Flickenschild
The Allt-a-Bhainne Distillery, more of a hidden champion of the Speyside region, surprises time and again with unique bottlings. The Scottish Roadsign Edition No. 11 from independent bottler Flickenschild brings an exciting side of this distillery to light - raw, powerful and surprisingly nuanced at the same time.
Tasting Notes
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.
Palate
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
Marcel 74/100
The Allt-a-Bhainne 2008/2019 Scottish Roadsign Edition No. 11 is a bold character whisky that really delights with its rough, maritime notes and sharp spiciness. Not a whisky for the faint-hearted, but a genuine pleasure for adventurers and lovers of unusual flavors. Perfect paired with caramelized nuts or smoked salmon – a dramatic tasting experience you won’t soon forget.
Sascha 74/100
The Scottish Roadsign Edition No. 11 from Allt-a-Bhainne impresses with its complex balance between maritime, industrial, and sweet elements. Its clear structure, featuring nuances of lovage, caramel, and a surprising chemical note, makes it an exciting Speyside whisky full of character. Due to its intense aromatic profile, this bottling is especially recommended alongside hearty dishes like smoked salmon or spicy rye bread.
Value for Money: Good
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80/100Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Scottish Roadsign Edition No. 11 from Allt-a-Bhainne special compared to other bottlings?
This edition stands out due to its unusual combination of intense maritime and slightly chemical notes, which are rare in the Speyside region. The whisky offers a complex aromatic spectrum ranging from lovage and tobacco to maritime seaweed and iodine notes, complemented by a high drinking strength of 59.1% ABV.
How does the high alcohol content of 59.1% affect the taste and drinking experience?
The high alcohol content delivers an intense aromatic profile and a powerful entry on the palate. It amplifies distinctive notes such as tobacco, maritime iodine, and minty herbal aromas. At the same time, the strength can make the whisky feel a bit rougher, which is why a drop of water often rounds out the tasting experience.
Why are chemical impressions like thinner described in the tasting notes, and is this a quality defect?
Such unusual, chemical nuances are not quality defects but rather expressions of complex maturation and cask selection, especially in some independent bottlings and rougher, unconventional whiskies. Here, they surprisingly integrate well into the overall profile, giving the whisky a unique, almost industrial character.