Review by: Raygun
Another wink here in the title. Burnside is a name for teaspooned Balvenie, and the name has to be referring to that. Presumably teaspooned with Glenfiddich, not that it really matters. As usual, reviewed completely blind at first, with additional notes after the reveal in italics. Thanks to /u/dustbunna for the sample. Rested about 15 minutes.
Distillery: Blended malt (Balvenie)
Bottler: Thompson Brothers
Region/style: Blended malt, but probably mostly or entirely Speyside
ABV: 47.9%
Age: 25 years old. Distilled in 1993.
Cask type: Refill hogshead
Color: 1.2 chestnut. Natural color and non-chill-filtered.
Nose: First impression is wax and herbs, without a hint of peat. Mint, wood, and marzipan. Old furniture.
Palate: Mint again and some chocolate, always a classic combination. Another herbal flavor that I can’t quite identify. More nutty flavor and something like sticky buns. Had an impression of age on the nose and that carries to the palate. Chocolate mints and gummi bears.
Finish: Still don’t think it’s peated, but there’s something, cask char maybe. Mint, chocolate, wax, and black tea. The oak isn’t massive, but it’s tannic. Low 50s ABV. Some chai spice.
Guess: I’m pretty baffled. Not bourbon, anyway. Could be Scotch, but nothing specific comes to mind. Last time I got such a clear mint note was from Penderyn, so what the heck, I’ll go with Penderyn. Maybe 20 years, low 50s ABV. Really no clue on the cask type. Would have to guess a vatting of different casks.
Post-reveal thoughts: Nowhere close on the distillery. Even older than I’d thought. Can’t say I’m too surprised it turned out to be a refill hogshead. The chocolate flavor is unusual but not unheard of. Hogsheads can do odd things with age.
Conclusion: Not like any Balvenie I’ve tried, I can say that much. Can’t think of many similar Scotches, to be honest. The mint flavor was so clear, and that’s not something I’ve found often in Scotch. It’s one of those where you taste the age. Develops well over time. It does tend toward the herbal and woody side of things. A little fruit flavor would have been nice.
Score: 84
Scoring Legend:
- 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky. (Convalmore 36)
- 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category. (Bruichladdich Black Art 4.1)
- 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram. (Ledaig 13 Amontillado)
- 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff. (Tomatin 18)
- 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting. (Glen Scotia 15)
- 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better. (Aultmore 12)
- 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink. (Glenmorangie 10)
- 50-59: Save it for mixing. (Old Pulteney 12)
- 0-49: Blech. (Muirhead’s Silver Seal 16)
Malt Runners 