Released in 2013, Balvenie's Single Barrel First Fill was matured in first-fill bourbon casks for at least 12 years before bottling. These are limited edition bottlings, with each bottle being one of no more than 300 drawn from a single cask. Each is also hand-numbered and labelled with the cask reference number. A deliciously creamy, vanilla-rich whisky from Balvenie.
Toasted, sweet nose with all kinds of charred oak and spice. Hints of maple syrup and allspice, a little vanilla and sweet coffee.
A complex, thick palate with allspice and toffee apples. Cooked fruit and baking spices, hints of sponge cake and creamy caramel.
Long finish with lingering sweetness and spice.
An intense whisky with lots of influence from the cask. Great value for money too.
The nose is quite incredible, pure and clean bourbon oak characteristics. Vanilla, fresh fruits and a bit of spice. And, of course, the honey a la Balvenie. The taste, however, is a bit strange, herbal notes surrounded by sweet malt. Some days it tastes great, some days it tastes odd - the strange herbal notes take over. I find the taste of the 15yo single barrel better, but the nose on this one is just remarkable.
Sweet and spicy on the nose with hints of rye, spice and mango backed up by a healthy dose of vanilla - gets more fruity with water. Nose similar to the taste, starts off sweet followed by big hit of nutmeg, creamy malt and a little bit of apple. Spice continues into the finish, with straw, vanilla and an unexpected hint of cherry. Lovely stuff. If you like your Bourbon matured whiskies then this is a must.
Definitely better than the 12 year old DW, but I wouldn't consider myself a fan of the Double Wood line. Honey sweetness with a little extra Balvenie feel to it.A superb 12 year old, although for the price point, I prefer the 14 gear rum finish.
Now empty :(
After enjoying the last couple of rounds of my Doublewood 12year old I decided to try the 12 Year Old Single Barrel. I am a novice to single malts but this old Hillbillies face lit up with the taste of a fine scotch whisky, Balvenie Single Barrel 12 Yr. Thank You.
