BALMENACH 2001 48.44 'ROSE PETAL CUPCAKES' - THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY

If you read my previous post, you'll see that I mentioned a red chimney as being kind of a landmark outside the village of Aberlour in Speyside.... but its not the only red chimney in Speyside... The now demolished Imperial Distillery had one too and so does Balmenach Distillery near the village of Cromdale - also on the A95 road.

Balmenach is owned by Inverhouse Distillers who also ownes the Pulteney, Balblair, AnCnoc and Speyburn distilleries. Balmenach is one of those few distilleries that uses wormtubs for cooling their spirit which usually makes for a slightly heavier style whisky which I also found signs of in this Balmenach from the SMWS...

The distillery is not normally open to the public, but I had a chance to tour the place during the 2011 Spirit of Speyside Spring Festival - a chance that also allowed us to see their gin production (Caorunn - and its excellent!) located in a small annex to the still house.

Now, on to the review...

Picture of Balmenach Distillery from the year before I toured it, May 3rd 2010 © The Malt Desk 

Balmenach 2001 48.44 (11.10.2001) 12yo 'Rose Petal Cupcakes' 52,5%, Refill ex-bourbon barrel, 88 bottles, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

Colour is pale straw

Similar bottle is shown

Nose:

Marcipan, slight floral notes along with fruits (pears, mainly) honey - a full creamy nose, vanillas, some mint and industrial disinfectant!

Taste:

Nice arrival on honey'ed malt, really a think and oily mouth feel, this time some artificial fruit flavours (like the ones you use for cake) that quickly fades and leaves some alcohol and spices, cooked apple, hint of raspberry and white pepper.

The nose is a bit off putting with the disinfectant coming through there and even though the taste is ok and the flavour components are ok, they don't really come together in this one, I'm afraid - it's lacking balance...

I'd try this again, if I get a chance but for now, it'll have to do with...

80/100!