The Balvenie 12 yo DoubleWood

40°

Distillery : The Balvenie - Speyside

2d and 3rd Fill Bourbon Barrels, Oloroso Sherry Butts Finish

Original Bottling

Core Range

Single Malt

Launched in 1993

Peated around 6 ppm

This is the distillery's entry level, but also its oldest expression.

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is fresh, almost minty, with hints of wheat, wood and vanilla. The sherry is there. There's also a touch of peat, I assure you. A few traces of fruits, berries, gooseberries or blackcurrants, but it's very light. The honey binds it all together, dominating in fact, in a very subtle whole. The palate is less complex. The honey is still there, married to the sherry. Vanilla, wood, a pinch of coarse salt and the taste of bourbon that rises to the top. The finish is quite long, not too dry. I have the sensation of a dash of aniseed in retro-olfaction, so it's all very interesting.

In Short, 

This is a very good whisky, at a fair price. The notes of honey and sherry leave their mark, as does the fruity finish. Don't hesitate to get your hands on a bottle, few will be disappointed. 

Score : 83

                

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

   

                                           Charles Mingus - Moanin'