Here’s another obscure Speyside distillery that our group has acquired a sample from: Balmenach. This distillery was founded in 1824, making it one of the older one’s in Scotland. It’s currently owned by Inver House Distillers and produces about 2 million liters per year. There’s nothing much spectacular in its history, other than being passed around from several owners and being shuttered during the slow years in the mid-to-late 1990s. This particular offering is an 8 year old bottling from Gordon & MacPhail. It’s very light in color, almost the same hue as most peated Islays. It produces few legs and tiny beads around the glass when you spin it. It’s bottled at 46% ABV. The nose is very sweet- like buttery pound cake sweet. There’s honey and light chocolate, too. The youthful spirit and fresh oak are also present. The palate is sweet heat and honey. Milk chocolate swirls around while still maintaining a light and thin mouthfeel. It keeps this from becoming a sickly, dessert dram and makes the overall experience an enjoyable one. I wonder how this stuff is with some serious age on it or a first fill, finishing cask. The finish is short, too short actually. The chocolate notes hang around with oak tannins and heat from the ABV keeping you warm and toasty. This is a solid dram. Overall, it walks a thin line between an overly sweet dessert dram and a rich, Speyside sherry finished malt. It’s a solid 3.5-4 star dram. I think I’m gonna research a few older bottles and make another purchase- it’s good stuff. Thanks to my friend, Pranay for the sample. Cheers.