What's in a name? Balvenie Madeira Cask 17 Year Old whisky is called whisky because it's produced in Scotland. Were it from America it would be spelled Balvenie Madeira Cask 17 Year Old whiskey, rather than whisky.
Nose: Good sweetness, thick, spicy. Sultana, winter spices, toffee apple.
Palate: Full, thick. Lovely orchard fruits, some cherry, walnut, vanilla and fig.
Finish: Drying oak, toffee.
I just got this today for Christmas 2010, and I couldn't wait to crack it open. when I finish it, I will buy another bottle if I can find it. It tastes better than you'd expect. Smooth, clean, but full. If you aren't into a peaty scotch, and don't want to spend way under a hundred dollars, then this is the way to go. Why pay more when you don't have to. You won't want to share this scotch with too many people.
Wow, wonderful stuff. Appears this one isn't readily available anymore, grab a bottle if you see one. Complex, medium body, all the tasty aromas and flavors you like and a loooong finish. 4 stars easily