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
After having tried a few balvenies I decided to give this one a go after reading decent reviews. Initially I was completely baffled, everything I'd heard about it being a smooth dram couldn't have been further from the truth, it was harsh far to for a 14 year old it tasted like a young 10. Even after a drop of water there was a taste and finish I'd never experienced it was so 'hot'?? I wondered whether it was a result of sulphering that is spoken about by whisky buffs??? I'd also read about getting a 'bad' bottle and I thought perhaps after about 20 single malt purchases it was my time to get one. That was perhaps 2 months ago, I hadn't revisited it until I decided to give it another go last night. The difference was quite amazing it tasted like a different whisky it had completely mellowed and almost matured in the bottle...and I know that's not possible but I actually enjoy it now and get a completely new experience from it. It's now what I was hoping it would be. I've been drinking malts for around 2 and a half years and enjoy everything from laphroaig to balblair
I love the Balvenie 12 Single Barrel, it was my first serious foray in single malt so many years ago. Finishing this whisky in rum casks is brilliant! The natural fruitiness and vanilla of the rum combines with the malt beautifully, rounding it out and finishing with a wonderful, long finish.
This is just absolutely amazing. From beginners to even the hardest of Islay fans - you will not be disappointed.
Not going to waste your time with a huge paragraph. Incredibly rich, sweet, honey. Smooth and full. You WILL enjoy this. Try it. :)
A day will come when you will think that you have learned all the secrets. You may think that there is nothing else to be unearthed, but there will be this place that you must visit before you are complete. www.thebalvenie.com A taste of the single amber will show you the rest of the way.
