Balmenach – 2011/2023 Hogshead #120 (Berry Bros & Rudd) (70cl, 54.8%)

This is a single cask Balmenach from Speyside, selected by Berry Bros. & Rudd for its Single Cask series. It was distilled in 2011 and bottled in 2023 at 54.8%, without chill-filtration or added colour. The whisky matured in hogshead number 120 with no additional finish, and the cask gave 291 bottles. It is an unpeated malt with citrus, green fruit and an oily texture, and a distinct sulphur note runs through the fruit. The nose opens with citrus peel and grassy notes, followed by lively green fruit and orange. On the palate it is oily and strongly citrus, with tart Granny Smith apples and the sulphur note. The finish is long, with grilled lime and sweet malt, and a fine dry hay note at the end.