Signatory Vintage Balmenach 17 Years Old 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Cask Strength #3 2008 57.8% vol. 0.7 l

The Signatory Vintage Balmenach 17 Years Old 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Cask Strength #3 2008 is an exceptional Speyside single malt Scotch whisky that impressively demonstrates just how intensely a full maturation in a first-fill Oloroso sherry butt can shape a whisky’s character. Distilled in 2008 at the historic Balmenach Distillery and bottled by Signatory Vintage after 17 years of maturation, this single cask whisky is presented at a robust 57.8% ABV in natural cask strength. The 0.7 l bottle is part of a strictly limited edition of just 671 bottles worldwide and is aimed at connoisseurs of authentic sherry cask bottlings.

Throughout its entire maturation period, this Balmenach was stored exclusively in a first-fill Oloroso sherry butt (#3). As a result, the whisky has developed an exceptional depth, in which intense dried fruit, dark chocolate and spicy oak notes blend together perfectly. As is typical of Signatory Vintage’s premium bottlings, this whisky is also bottled without chill filtration and without the addition of colouring agents. The natural cask strength preserves the distillate’s original character and delivers an unadulterated tasting experience, which reveals additional aromatic facets when a few drops of water are added.

Tasting NoteColour: Deep amber with mahogany-coloured highlights.

Nose: Intense aromas of raisins and figs, accompanied by dark chocolate, orange peel and subtle notes of Oloroso sherry.

Palate: Full-bodied and powerful with dark fruits, toasted nuts, spicy oak, leather and intense sherry sweetness.

Finish: Long-lasting with elegant Oloroso sweetness, subtle spices, cocoa and lingering oak notes.

The Signatory Vintage Balmenach 17 Years Old 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Cask Strength #3 2008 reveals its complex aromas best when enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water, which brings out further nuances of dried fruit, chocolate and spices. Its intense sherry cask character pairs superbly with dark chocolate, pralines, fruit cake, roasted nuts or mature hard cheese. A high-quality cigar also pairs excellently with this Speyside single malt. The combination of single cask, first-fill Oloroso sherry butt, 17 years’ maturation, 57.8% ABV, non-chill-filtered, no added colouring, and a limited run of just 671 bottles worldwide makes this bottling a special collector’s item and an exceptional treat for lovers of intense sherry cask whiskies.