Balmenach 13 yo (2004/2018), Hidden Spirits, 51,2%

Review #745

This is called ”BLM.418” and comes from a Bourbon cask with the cask number BL418. Only 266 bottles were made. Wow, this is sweet in the smell. Vanilla ice cream with caramel sauce. A little oak and canned peaches in the background.

Not as sweet in the taste, with some more oak coming through. Cooked fruits and plums with hints of black pepper. The sweetness makes a comeback in the finish, with a sugary-oaky touch that could remind me of grain whiskies.

The smell drives the score upwards, but if you have a sweet tooth like me, I think you will agree. For a 13 year old, it sure delivers complexity and a good balance. Very well chosen cask – quality all the way through! I will give this 89/100 (23/22/22/22).