Balmenach

A beacon of traditional distilling on the banks of the river Spey in Cromdale, Balmenach is one of the oldest continually running distilleries in the Speyside region. It was founded in 1824 by James McGregor, one of a long line of illicit distillers and smugglers whose family interest in whisky production necessarily became official following the Excise Act of 1823.

Now owned by Inver House, Balmenach has passed through many hands since its establishment. Its relative obscurity has more to do with the fact that its output is largely reserved for use in blends (both of Inver House and other bottling companies – for example, Gordon & MacPhail and Deerstalker) than with issues of quality.

The Balmenach house style is very distinctive. Some would call it ‘old-school’: Fruity and identifiably Speyside, but also rich, even meaty. Maturation in ex-Sherry casks also adds to this particular character.

Thus far the only official Balmenach single malt bottling has been the 12-year-old. Previous owner Diageo did release some Balmenach single malts as part of their Flora & Fauna range, which have become ever more sought-after since the range was discontinued.