Balmenach 1973 23 Year Old Adelphi #9776

A malt that evokes both elegance and ruggedness. Balmenach BALMENACH 1973 23yo Adelphi #9776 59.4% The aroma is strong, with notes of apricot tea, orange, faintly guava, rock candy, cinnamon, a matured rugged barley sensation. Upon drinking, it has a slightly stimulating mouthfeel with the sweetness and umami of rock candy and barley. It has depth, a faintly ripe guava flavor, and a sticky texture with a long finish. [Good/Very Good] Adelphi's Balmenach 1973, aged for 23 years. A rather high proof whisky. The aroma is strong from the start, and it has a diverse fruity sensation typical of Speyside malts. However, the barley notes have an unexpectedly rugged impression, with a simple nuance reminiscent of rock candy. When tasted, there are fruity notes similar to the aroma, but more prominently, the rugged barley sensation and its umami components are felt strongly. Adelphi, personally, gives me the impression of bottling many rugged malts. In this bottle, in addition to the elegant fruits typical of Speyside, it was impressive that such ruggedness could be felt.