✦ Neatly Summary

SMWS 48.2 (Balmenach) / 1973 / Bot.1989 Speyside Single Malt Whisky is a from Balmenach (United Kingdom), bottled at 40% ABV. Expect oaky, subtly sweet and gentle spice character — malt extract, yeasty, toasted, old wood. An approachable dram, ideal for newcomers and casual sippers. A collector's expression at a premium price point.

Balmenach's 1973 vintage, bottled by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society as their second cask from the distillery, was aged 15 years and retained exceptional cask strength of 62.9% ABV when released in 1989. Speyside's characteristic honeyed malt and orchard fruit develop complexity from the oak, with notes of toffee, heather, and a subtle spiced warmth throughout the palate. The high proof delivers a full, oily mouthfeel with a finish that balances sweetness against dry oak influence. A remarkable snapshot of 1970s Speyside character for those collecting early SMWS releases and older cask-strength expressions.

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