Allt a Bhainne 1993 22 Year (The Exclusive Malts)

I'm finally getting to the last few samples from our group's recent trades. Bronchitis and the flu kept me down for about a week. This sample is the third I've provided for our group's trade, from the Allt-a-Bhainne distillery. This Speyside distillery's malt is mostly used in Chivas blends. Having had Chivas before, I can definitely identify the bread and roasted nuts that form the base of their blends in this 22-year-old single cask, bottled by The Creative Whisky Company. It's part of their Exclusive Malts line, bottled at cask strength (50.7% ABV), with natural color and without chill filtration. It has a beautiful champagne gold appearance and, despite being quite oily, doesn't show many legs, leaving behind numerous watery droplets after swirling. The aroma is full of nuts and grains with a pleasant layer of toffee and vanilla. There are subtle hints of sherry cask, though I don't believe they were used. It has a deep, rich sweetness that is very inviting. The palate matches the aroma: honey, nuts, and freshly baked bread are prominent, and despite being quite potent, it's well-balanced and smooth. The long aging in oak has truly worked its magic. I think this is the whisky's saving grace. This has been a very easy-drinking bottle since opening. The finish is long and warming. More bread notes linger, and it finishes more oily than dry. A surprisingly heavy nutty aftertaste made me crave Honey Nut Cheerios and cold milk. Overall, I'm giving this a full 4 stars. It's delicious and smooth, and an excellent value ($109) for a well-aged, cask-strength independent bottling. If I weren't so eager to try new things, I'd look for another bottle. As it is, I wouldn't mind trying more from Allt-a-Bhainne, especially a distillery bottling (if available). Cheers.

The seventh stop on the Scotland Distillery Tour is Allt-A-Bhainne. It's an unusual name, I realize. This distillery in Speyside was erected during the prosperous period following the Second World War in the UK. Nearly all of its output is used in Chivas Regal blends, with single malts only appearing from independent bottlers like this 22-year-old from The Creative Whisky Company's The Exclusive Malts range. Likely bottled at cask strength of 50.7% ABV, it is certainly non-chill filtered and has a natural honey gold hue. Only 284 bottles originated from a single refill hogshead. It was distilled on February 3rd, 1993, and bottled in July 2015. The nose is full and potent, featuring heavy cereal malt and honey. It smells like freshly baked whole grain bread, peanuts, and cashews. It's reminiscent of distilling a box of Honey Nut Cheerios, complete with the cardboard (a friend pointed out that comparison). Grilled apricots and plums are present, with a slight aroma but no real smokiness. There's a touch of vegetal character, like cooked celery, dusty oak, and some floral and earthy notes, along with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. This whisky's taste closely mirrors its aroma. It has cereals, honey, and fresh, heavy bread, with that Honey Nut Cheerios essence. Grilled fruits, nuts, and subtle oak are also noticeable, alongside a spice like a blend of cinnamon and pepper. It has a full-bodied, oily, hot, and mouthwatering texture. The finish is quite lengthy, predictably heavy on malt with honey, a subtle fruitiness, and spice. This is a truly excellent independent bottling. The Exclusive Malts line has consistently impressed me. While not overly complex, its present qualities are well-executed and pronounced. At around $110, it offers good value for a 22-year-old. It's not something I would actively search for as it's not entirely my preference, but I commend its quality. Adding a few drops of water softened the spice and amplified the honey and nuts. Thanks for the sample, my friend. 3.75.

I'm sampling a previously set-aside bottle from an earlier virtual scotch whisky event. A friend provided this pour. Honey poured over cereal (like Grape Nuts) mixed with almonds, cinnamon, vanilla, and apples. There's a slightly musty dampness that lingers with the breakfast cereal, reminiscent of a hay-filled barn on a damp day. Subtle sherry notes emerge as it airs. A pleasant aroma. The taste is primarily nutty. The honey sweetness is lightly applied, offering a mild contrast to the nutty dryness. Grilled apricots and Gala apples contribute a fruity element. Balanced cinnamon and black pepper spice add a zing. All of this is held within a thick, rich, and oily body. The finish is oaky and dry, but not overwhelmingly so. Cereal grains and cinnamon gradually fade, leaving a deep, warm, lasting sensation. Later selections in the tour have included some obscure, uncommon scotch, with a fair number being disappointing. This, however, is quite enjoyable. It's balanced and consistent from aroma through the finish. Well executed. [90/100][Tasted: 5/18/18]

I had the opportunity to sample this somewhat unusual and obscure malt, thanks to a friend, as part of their official contribution to a tasting group aiming to review every active distillery in Scotland. It's very characteristic of Speyside: aromas of honey, cereals, and bread baking. The taste mirrors the aroma precisely. There's nothing extraordinary or challenging here, nor does it need to be. It performs its function well... producing a good single malt at a mature age and reasonable cost. I certainly wouldn't seek it out or purchase it for myself, as I feel its profile is comparable to a Glenfiddich 12 or Balvenie 12. However, if I wanted to offer a nice gift that conveys maturity and aging while appealing to a broad audience, this would be a suitable choice. Thanks to my friend for providing something I wouldn't normally have the chance to try.

Difficult to say "olt-uh-vaughn-ya", but easy to smell and drink! The aroma has confectioner's sugar, vanilla, toffee, caramel, mild spice, and red delicious apples. It's hot at 50.7% ABV, so a few drops help. The palate tastes like Apple Jacks cereal, with intense honey and candied ginger. The finish is medium in length and brings dried apricots and baklava. The theme for this dram has to be "Zeibekiko of Evdokia". Yes, I've gone Greecian on you, and it's a solid 4.25! Thanks so much for the experience to a friend!!

Golden color. The aroma presents fruit, apple, alcohol, sharp chili, dry, warm, and woody notes. It lingers with a sharp sensation. The taste is weak and sharp with a slight fruity acidity.