It's no secret that I don't like mint as a flavor in my scotch (or when it's combined with sweet things in general) ... and Balmenach is the most mint-forward distillery I know. So I tend to avoid them; this was the second of nine whiskies at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society ("SMWS") June 2022 Outturn tasting at the Jack Rose Saloon on Sunday, June 5th. I was curious and feeling adventurous, so I gave it a shot.
Here are the official notes:
For one reason or another we had the colour yellow in our heads: lemon, lemon peel, lemon sorbet, grapefruit, pineapple and star fruit. Wow! On the palate it was a yellow smash cocktail - yellow Chartreuse, orange curacao, fresh lime juice, sugar syrup and garnished with a sprig of mint, - a truly crisp, fresh and herbal revelation. After the liberal addition of water, we walked through a garden of blooming Kibrahacha trees (yellow tree) in glorious sunshine, maybe even on the island of Curacao. To taste, a lot sweeter and softer, like chewing a lemon liquid-filled gum as we drank a glass of caipirinha.
Interesting! Yellow yellow yellow. I had another "yellow" bottle from SWMS a while back from Glen Moray called "Xanthous Symphony." These notes only mention mint in passing, so I was heartened. Matured for 8 years in a first fill ex-bourbon barrel, bottled at 60.6% ABV. Let's see how minty it is:
Nose: Unripe tropical fruit. A really nice "lemon gelato" scent, maybe some grapefruit and blood orange too. Maybe even star fruit (!). But generally a soft, shy nose.
Mouthfeel: Quite a nice mouthfeel - thick, coating.
Palate: Surprisingly meaty, like a grilled pork chop. Baking spices. That "yellow Chartreuse" flavor (strongly alcoholic herbal concoction). Some faint mint... but with a splash of water, the mint gets much stronger and my interest wanes rapidly. With water it also becomes very herbal.
Finish: A dry, herbal finish. Quite spicy. Medium length.
Verdict: A very typical expression from Balmenach, as far as I've had it. If you don't mind mint, or if you outright like it, you will like this. The nose is soft, but nice. The palate has a surprising meatiness to it, and a nice mouthfeel, and there are several attractive things here. It's just not my cup of tea.
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