A terrific single malt from The Balvenie. This Speysider was initially aged in traditional oak casks before it was finished in casks which previously held Caribbean rum, imparting some extra sweetness and warmth to the whisky. In fact, to create it, Balvenie malt master David C. Stewart made his very own blend of West Indian rums, filled it into casks, and then eventually replaced the rum in said casks with Balvenie's whisky! The fabulous result is a well-rounded whisky with notes of toffee, fruit and vanilla.
The aroma is rich with notes of tropical fruits, namely passion fruit, and creamy toffee.
Sweet vanilla forms a creamy palate with notes of apples and mangoes with a hint of orange in the background.
The finish lingers with a vanilla-focused character.
Mouth-coating and fruity with superb balance, this is an excellent new release from the chaps at Balvenie.
Was: £192.90Now: £191.90
Well, not quite, my favourite scotch is the 21 Portwood finish, but the price here in Canada is just ridiculous, this is a good second place at a third of the price of the 21. Smooth and flavourful; lots of ripe fruit and vanilla. Cannot wait for my 6:00 p.m. dram every day.
One of the best noses for me. The rum cask is out, loud, and proud. Bottled at 43% this expression doesn't miss a beat. It gets better the longer it breathes with a bit of water. There's an underlying fruity note like dried plum or date that sits under the vanilla and burnt sugar. This is a great whisky and one that I'd recommend when you want something a little different, but at a daily dram price point.
I had been given my first taste of this from my son who bought me a bottle. WoW if my mouth could do a happy dance this would be one of those times. It was smooth and had a hint of honey sweetness to it. No one get to drink this with out me.
Sorry I just did not like this *at all*. It tasted of cardboard and plaster to me. The same way Glenfiddich does, but twice as strong. I could vaguely make out the rum finish, a hint of spiciness that just brings it back to par, but that just didn't nearly overcome the problem, especially at this price. If you have tasted Glenfiddich and you know the cardboard I'm talking about, then stay away (unless you like the cardboard, then by all means dig in).
I was fortunate this past week to be enjoying a wee scosch in St Louis Gamlin whiskey House. Our bartender was kind enough too give us a tasting of the Carribean Cask, WOW. Really enjoyed it long deep finish. Well worth your money. Will definently be picking up a bottle.
