Balmenach 24 Year Old 1988 Signatory Vintage for The Nectar

The Nectar, run by Mario Groteklaes, was able to secure bourbon hogshead 2808 from Signatory containing 24 Year Old Balmenach. I put it head-to-head with hogshead 2794 that was bottled in the same year.

The nose starts rather closed, but after a few moments it opens up nicely. A touch vegetal (dried grass), but immediately followed by green banana, white fruit and salty liquorice! This is surprising, but very pleasant. Rather spicy as well. Think nutmeg and ginger. Even a leaf of mint. I detect a trace of smoke too. That must be from the cask.

Nice bite while it rolls over the tongue. Very spicy before it allows the fruit to speak. Think cinnamon and chili. Apart from the green banana and white fruit (apples!), bit also get some gooseberries. The salty liquorice returns.

Wonderfully long finish on spices and white fruit. The fresh mint reappears at the death.

Not overly complex, but a powerhouse that delivers.

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