Lovely ex-bourbon cask matured Balmenach from the independent bottler Hidden Spirits. Has grassy, Victoria sponge cake, apple, citrus and vanilla notes. With water the grassy, hay notes diminish and it becomes softer and sweeter. Bit harsh on first pour, the alcohol is not that well-integrated and tastes more like 60% than 52.9% ABV but your patience will be rewarded as with a bit of time and a drop of water it improves it a lot.
Some lovely ocean spray and subtle smoke on the nose. More of the ocean than the fire on the nose at least. Sweet upfront and then a little prickly, but beautifully done. Apricot jam which reveals freshly cracked black pepper, that smoothens into cured meats and honey. This dram gives a charcuterie board alongside a cigar. A taster is well worthwhile as this has certainly moved me towards buying a bottle.
I've actually been wanting to taste this so I can make up my mind to buy a bottle. When I found your site and saw it had this I immediately bought some tasting samples and absolutely loved it! Will definitely invest in a bottle
Heard for a while how good Littlemill’s can be. This SMWS 30yo certainly did not disappoint, the nose on this dram was amazing.
It was a flavour packed palete, that certainly stood out as such a fine whisky.
Thanks again Horny Pony for providing some banging drams, with a great service throughout