Allt-a-Bhainne 14 Year Old 2005 Infrequent Flyers

This is the 20th release from Infrequent Flyers, the company run by Alistair Walker (son of legend Billy). I have to confess that I have very little experience with Allt-a-Bhainne, the distillery that was built by Seagram’s in 1975 and produces some 4 million litres of spirit per annum. It is considered a typical blender’s whisky. But I’m sure there is a very good reason why Alistair bottled this cask.

Well, on the nose this is certainly very pleasant. Fresh, fruity and floral with notes of almond shavings and quince. Also some candied pineapple and orange marmalade. A bit candy-like, that that’s pleasant enough during the summer.

It’s arrival is quite sturdy and relatively piquant on white pepper, but nicely balanced with lots of overripe fruit. Next to pineapple and oranges I also get some apricots and a hint of kiwi. Honey by the truckload. Very sweet, but satisfying at the same time.

The finish is lovely: long, sweet and spicy.

It would have been a waste had this cask been blended away. Lovely Allt-a-Bhainne. Around 85 EUR. Thanks for the sample, Gunther.