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
Title says it all. This stuff is a true treasure to behold (especially at sub $70). It reminds me so much of a good American bourbon (the spicy, sweetness of it), but you get the floral and fruitiness and indeed a bit of peatiness and smokiness that can only come from scotch mixed in there. This stuff has a loooooooooooooooooooooooong long finish.
Although I have tasted a moderate number of drams, I do not consider myself an expert. I find the Balvenie to be enjoyable with excellent flavor and spiciness, but I do not taste complexity. Then again, I am a huge Ardbeg fan so maybe I need to be hit over the head.
Enjoyable nose and colour,yet seems lacking in depth and disinction in comparison to its cousins. The single cask 12 year old impresses me as an affordable regular evening comfort and the double wood is still a superb entry to the world of single malt.
Great for the Holiday season. I liked the rum like finish it had. Smooth, yet had a real bite in the finish. Somewhat of a different batch for a Balvenie name!
A delightful flavor filled experience.
