Balmenach 2013/2022 8 Years Barrique Finish - Best Dram
Balmenach does not have a core range. If you want to taste such a whisky, you have to resort to independent bottlings. Michel Reick - one of the best-known German independent bottlers of single malt whisky - has bottled a Balmenach with a 1st fill Banyuls barrique finish in the "Best Dram" series.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The nose of the 8-years 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.
Palate
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
Marcel 84/100
This Balmenach 8 Years reveals itself as a true character with its intense fruity sweetness and surprisingly dry finish, leaving you wanting more. The sulfur notes are divisive but also add intriguing edges and corners to the glass – not everyone’s cup of tea, but definitely an entertaining dram for adventurous connoisseurs.
Sascha 86/100
The Balmenach 8 Years Best Dram impresses with its balanced structure between sweet fruit aromas and a spicy, dry finish. Despite the distracting sulfur note, the complexity remains intact, while the barrique finish gives the whisky an interesting depth that fans of complex Speyside whiskies will particularly appreciate.
Value for Money: Good
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83/100Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Balmenach not have a fixed core range and how does this affect availability?
Balmenach does not produce a clearly defined core range, which means their whiskies are mainly available through independent bottlers like Best Dram. This results in each bottling being unique and availability varying greatly.
How does the 1st Fill Banyuls Barrique Finish influence the character of the Balmenach 2013/2022?
The Banyuls Barrique Finish imparts intense fruity notes such as cherry jam and plums, along with a sweet, wine-like complexity. It also brings a deep sweetness and subtle red wine aromas that distinctly shape the whisky’s flavor.
What is behind the unusual sulfur note in the taste and how typical is it for this whisky?
The sulfur note, reminiscent of rotten eggs, likely originates from natural sulfur compounds in the cask or maturation process. It is surprising and not typical for all Balmenach bottlings, but it contributes to the complexity and uniqueness of this 8-years whisky.