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
This is a terrific whisky. Loads of rum infused sweetness up from with soft finish. Can't recommend highly enough.
Pricey but good
At this price point, you honestly won't find a better single malt. Orange peel, toffee and apple crumble on the nose. I drink mine watered one part whiskey to two parts water. When stretched out this way, the sweetness is the first thing that hits you. Then a loam soiled oakiness. The rum is there, to be sure, but as a back-note, not as the main event. Vanilla? Yes, some. Not being a fan of vanilla, I'm relieved to note that it doesn't dominate. Woodsmoke, damp tweed, dark chocolate, mulberry, they're all in there, somewhere. Complex, yet unfussy. A real whiskey drinkers dram.
Why not buy a good bottle of rum? Why spend so much on a Scotch for hints of rum? I think Scots have lost their identity. Scotch is a Scotish drink and it shouldn't have any outsiders budding in. God Save the Queen.
A lot of cask influence- I can see why they are going for this as a finish rather than doing the entire maturation in a rum cask. Lots of those lovely rich flavours you get in a rum, it's a really robust rum flavour like you might find in a good quality Jamaican rum. The whisky itself is not entirely lost,you are still getting some of that distinctive Balvenie character. Good stuff!
