Balmenach 1983 30 Year Old

A rare Balmenach, 30 years in a refill sherry hogshead and released by Douglas Laing as part of their Directors Cut range of single cask whiskies.

Balmenach 1983 30 Year Old (Douglas Laing Director's Cut), 52.8% A⊕

Nose – Initially restrained, then quite delightful, sweet apple and grapes.  Quite green and floral but very rich and balanced. A real spring freshness too, with an intriguing meaty muskiness behind it.  Very lovely.

Body – Initially very sweet, with a toasty, dark, biscuity, malty richness.  Sweet toffee and wood, with a faint drying smoke and sulphur.  Good integration.  Absolutely delicious.

Finish – Long, lingering, very rich and sweet, lots of depth and character. At the very end strays into bitterness though.

What's not good about it: The finale is a minor, faltering step at the end.  Not cheap.

What’s good about it:  Lovely, fresh and fruity, but rich and musky complexity on the nose, great balance throughout and seriously delicious.

Thanks to Douglas Laing for the official sample.