Balmenach distillery is situated in Cromdale, Grantown-on-Spey, Morayshire (Speyside) and was founded, or at least obtained an official license to operate in 1824.

It remained in the McGregor family until 1922 when it was sold to a blending company and then sold onwards various times over the next 40 years.

In 1983 United Distillers bought the distillery, only to mothball it ten years later in 1993.

United Distillers became Diageo but they sold the distillery onwards again, this time to Inver House Distillers in 1997 who restarted production in the Spring of 1998.

Balmenach has a capacity of around 2 million litres of pure alcohol per year.

General whisky characteristics: Smooth, fresh, herbal

More great distillery info here, thanks to Malt Madness

Distillery photos with kind permission by Teimei Horiuchi

Independent Bottlers

G&M, Balmenach, distilled 1989, 43% ABV

Connoisseurs Choice

Typical cost of this bottle; €€€€€

Nose: Immediately fresh malty grass.

Palate: Very smooth with hints of popcorn and liquorice in a basket of fresh herbs.

Finish: Long.

Overall Impression: My first Balmenach and I like it. Smooth and long with a distinct freshness.