Balmenach Old Particular 2008 12 Years Single Malt Whisky

Whiskyspace Notes 2355

Jul 6, 2026, 17:37:15

The first sip hits with this honeyed sweetness but there's something else lurking underneath – maybe that mysterious note they keep mentioning. It's got a bit of grist to it, like the mash before it's distilled, and a touch of beeswax that reminds me of old country kitchens. The smoke is there but not overpowering, more like a distant bonfire than a campfire. Apple notes come through, both the sweet raisiny kind and these sharp, no-fuss green apples. There's a hint of seawater brine, which makes me think of coastal walks, but then it's gone. It's rather quick on the finish, almost too quick for my liking – wanted it to linger a bit longer. The white wine and chalk add a dryness, like biting into a crisp apple near the sea. Some pepper spice kicks in late, which I enjoy, though that lamp oil edge feels a bit out of place. Overall, it's extremely good but not without its quirks. The higher strength gives it more oomph than expected, yet something about that particular blend just didn't quite work for me. Still, I'd happily have another dram. 🥃

Whiskyspace Notes 2044

Jun 25, 2026, 23:36:50

一开瓶就闻到那股熟悉的海风味儿，带着点蜂蜡似的甜。强度够劲儿，来得又快又猛，有点像直接冲浪去了。 鼻子里先是白垩土那种干巴巴的矿石感，然后才慢慢渗出蜂蜜和葡萄干的甜。底下还飘着淡淡的灯油气息，烟熏味儿控制得不错，不浓不淡正好。 突然冒出一阵青苹果的清新，直截了当的，特别干脆。舌尖的胡椒刺感挺明显，面团的柔软底调跟甜味混在一起。 后面蜂蜜的甜味就越来越明显了，just a tad sweet for me 不过整体还是有种说不出的神秘感。 finish倒是挺长的，烟熏味儿一直陪着。 总的来说，这酒劲儿十足，来得快走得也快，很有性格。要是甜度再收一点就完美了 🥃

Whiskyspace Notes 1383

Jun 3, 2026, 10:29:22

Blimey, this one's a bit of a puzzle. First whiff is proper coastal – got that seawater and olive brine tang, but underneath there's this doughy, gristy thing going on, like walking past a bakery near the docks. On the tongue it's fast and quick, doesn't mess about. The smoke is good, not too heavy, kind of dances with some honey sweetness. Then a kick of pepper comes in sharpish. The mid-palate feels a bit naked, sort of chalky, reminds me of dry stone walls. The apples here aren't flashy, just no-fuss green apples, crisp and a bit tart. Finish is interesting – a flicker of lamp oil (weirdly nice?) and that light smoke lingers. Some bits didn't quite work together perfectly for me, but overall it's extremely good. Definitely has a style of its own, possibly Orkney's finest sort of vibe. 🌊🍯

Georgia Knight

May 27, 2026, 05:14:53

First sip, and there's this peppery tingle right away – not harsh, just warming. Then come these no-fuss green apples, crisp and simple, with a hint of light smoke weaving through. It's honestly extremely good; might even be one of the finest I've tasted. Has this white wine vibe with honeyed sweetness, and a touch of doughy bread. One bit that didn't quite work was a fleeting bitter note, but it was fast and quick to fade into sweetish, raisiny flavors. Finish? Like Naked chalk – clean and mineral. Pretty neat! 😊

Ross Baker

May 21, 2026, 10:50:59

Lovely cosy dram 🥃 Bit of honey, soft oak, a touch of spice, and a gentle smoky warmth. Feels easygoing, like a quiet night in by the fire.