Malts of Scotland Images of Dufftown Balvenie Castle 1988

The Images series by Malts of Scotland never reveals the distillery on the label. This Balvenie Castle leaves little to the imagination, of course, but as the label states Single Cask Scotch Whisky, as opposed to Single Malt Scotch Whisky, it may be a bit premature to draw any conclusions. Teaspooned, maybe? With Glenfiddich? Kininvie? Who knows. But that it comes from the heart of Speyside is something we can all agree upon. I also just saw that all the releases from this series are bottled at the same strength of 53,2% ABV. Clearly this is by choice.

The creamy nose promises a lot. Betterfood biscuits in a mix of tropical fruit. Banana, mango, peach. A bouquet of flowers. Acacia honey. The spices are discreet. Think cinnamon and liquorice. A lot of depth and wonderfully fruity.

Powerful attack, putting the spices to work from the get go. Next to the cinnamon and liquorice, I also get some pepper and a truckload of vanilla. Nice hint of smoke. The fruit returns and is upholstered with baked pears and kumquat. Orangettes. Full and rich.

The emphasis is on pears in the long finish that ends on a slightly peppery note.

Well, I think it is a Balvenie, but this might as well be one of the better Caperdonich. What a wonderful fruit bomb. Impressive. Does not need any water. It will set you back around 115 EUR.