This 12 year old Balvenie was released in 2008 and was launched to replace the 10 year old Founders Reserve. This bottling was aged in first fill bourbon barrels and refill casks and sherry butts. This is from the first batch released!
This bottle was part of a private collection - if you'd like more detailed photos just get in touch!
A little spiced rum opens up the nose with gorgeous hints of date and walnut cake, a little honeyed oiliness, a dusting of cocoa and lush crystallized ginger. The mouth feel is delicately vinous, in true Balvenie style, the palate holds winter spice and salty butter pastry with a sweet vanilla and melted cookie dough ice-cream. The finish is tight and swift, the bourbon oak notes fading out with added toasty vanilla.
But I must say, wow. A friend of mine turned me on to scotch recently and I must say again, WOW. I have tried a few different 30-25 year single barrel malts and of the few this one has the best flavor, aroma and drink-ability. The older years, double wood and higher end bottles are definitely harder for me to drink. For me, this has the best flavors from beginning to end. The bite is light and not so harsh that it kills the after taste. I love the very noticeable honey and floral flavors.
..... but better is available for the money. I enjoyed the Doublewood and thought I'd try another from the Balvenie stable and plumped for the Signature (I bought a sample). While a nice enough whisky it didn't make me want to drink more the way that others do and that includes the Doublewood.
i very much like the doublewood, but compared to the award winning whiskies I've recently bought, Signature comes up short. Do your research and you can get something much nicer for the money - maybe Old Pulteny 12YO, Nikka from the barrel, or Glenliver 18YO
