The Balvenie Doublewood 12 year old Whisky

When it comes to distilleries, Balvenie holds a special place in my heart, landing a spot in my top five favourite distilleries. It’s a sentiment shared by John, and our recent adventure into the world of whiskies led us to the Balvenie Doublewood 12 year old Speyside single malt Scotch whisky. A name that resonates with connoisseurs, Balvenie also boasts a 17 year old counterpart.

Nestled in the picturesque region of Speyside, Scotland, the Balvenie distillery has been crafting exceptional spirits since 1892. Founded by the skilled William Grant, who honed his craft at the renowned Mortlach distillery, Balvenie has an illustrious heritage. The man behind the magic today is none other than the esteemed Malt Master, David Stewart.

I’ve delved deep into the rich history and various releases from Balvenie, and one of my all-time favourites has to be the Balvenie Caribbean Cask. It’s the kind of dram that pairs perfectly with cheese or chocolate, offering a symphony of flavours.

Back to the Doublewood 12 year old Scotch, this whisky is initially matured in refill American oak casks before moving into first-fill European oak Oloroso sherry butts for an additional nine months.

After this, the whisky is transferred to large oak vessels for 3-4 months, allowing the flavours from different casks to beautifully “marry.” This expression was unveiled by Balvenie in 1993.

You can easily recognise Balvenie whisky on the shelf. They are bottled in the classic Balvenie bottle that exudes timeless charm. The bottle’s shape harks back to a bygone era, and the traditional dark cream colours and fonts evoke a sense of nostalgia.

Now, let’s talk about what really matters – the tasting experience.

Related Article: Glenfiddich 12 yo Whisky

The Balvenie Doublewood 12 year old Whisky Review

REGION: Speyside

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: The Balvenie 12 year old Doublewood is a dark, almost polished amber and burnt copper colour.

NOSE: On the nose, the Balvenie 12 year old greets you with a blend of oak and sherry notes. Hints of fresh grapes, red berries, and an array of spices dance around, with vanilla gently lingering in the background. It’s a rich and inviting start that promises a memorable journey.

PALATE: The palate takes a slightly unexpected turn. The dominant note is unmistakably oak, with the sherry influence remaining more subtle than anticipated. Those delightful hints of fresh grapes, red berries, and spices promised by the nose remain present but are somewhat subdued.

There are bits of vanilla trailing along. However, it’s not as complex as one might expect from a whisky aged in two distinct types of wood. The Balvenie Doublewood 12 year old whisky feels a tad flat, leaving me underwhelmed.

FINISH: The finish drops off rather swiftly, which is a tad disappointing.

RATING: GOOD

Now, as someone with a collection boasting at least six bottles of Balvenie, I was possibly expecting more from this one. I distinctly remember a previous encounter with the 12 year old single malt that I enjoyed. Perhaps I encountered a dud bottle this time.

The nose is lovely, warming and inviting, promising a unique experience, but on the palate, it falls flat. The finish is also short and unmemorable.

Balvenie Distillery has a well-earned reputation for crafting excellent whiskies. I’m eager to revisit this release, possibly from a different bottle. It’s worth noting that the success of the 12 year old Doublewood led to the creation of a 17 year old Doublewood edition.

For those seeking a more in-depth exploration, I’ve compared this release with the Balvenie Caribbean Cask whisky side-by-side, highlighting the nuances in a dedicated blog post. Explore the intricate world of Balvenie with me.

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