Balvenie DoubleWood is, to not much surprise, aged in two kinds of oak casks! It was firstly matured in refill American oak casks before it was treated to a finish in first fill European oak Oloroso sherry butts for an additional nine months. The expression was launched in 1993, and has become a somewhat iconic whisky over the years. Even at 12 years old, this rich and complex dram is an excellent example of what the Balvenie distillery can craft.
Gristy, supple nuttiness intertwined with spices. Honeyed sultanas and grapes. Hugely inviting.
Sweet with good body. The bourbon characters develop; gentle spice with a little vanilla, a hint of balancing peat lurking quietly in the substrata. Dried fruit too, combining with nuts, nutmeg, cinnamon, back into the bourbon notes - so well integrated.
Spicy, slightly drying, still sweet.
A classic, always a pleasure to revisit. (This is also a single malt with the ability to convert a non-whisky drinker with its deliciousness...)
I bought this whisky because it got some really good reviews. Boy, was I disappointed! Simply put: it's flat. The nose is alright, but the palate and finish are disappointing. I would expect this from some young spirit. And it's not the only Balvenie that gets the 'flat' mark either! They should get their act together sooner rather then later. I am going elsewhere for my dram.
The vitriol used to describe a whisky is narcissistic and condescending. Why is it not enough to say that you’d “prefer another”? I’m not a connoisseur of whiskies, in part because I don’t know what that is, but I have partaken for some 45 years and this is the best-tasting whiskey I’ve had. But if you find comfort in denigrating someone else’s tastes, go ahead. We partake as a pleasure – not as a measurement of one’s character.
I believe review about two down from this is spot on "...accept it for what it is...", however O would submit their two stars rating is unfairly low. I too wish the finish was more complex and longstanding, but it is a smooth, supple drink and the finish is pleasant. This is an easy recommendation for a new Scotch drinker. Zum Wohl, -W
My son bought me a bottle of Balvenie Doublewood 12 year old for Father's Day. Now I'm not a whisky guru, I know nought of vanilla, spice, or bourbon finishing, or interesting characteristics, or personality This is a damn good drop of five star liquor, ideal for the World Cup or any other sporting event.Value for money, YES
I enjoy tasting different styles, palates, finish of whisky's. Yes there are some that dont leave a big impression or I had high expectations but didnt deliver. This one was somewhere in between. the Bourbon/Sherry 'characters' i like i just wish the finish was more complex and lasted longer.
