Balvenie 1974 Single Cask

Balvenie 15 Year Old Sherry Cask Single Barrel

I loved the classic Bourbon Cask 15YO Single Barrel. I found it a very slow-drinking, relaxing and contemplative dram. So very keen to see what its European Sherry Cask sibling does. Nose: Immediate hit is classic Balvenie vanilla. Leaving it for a bit starts to reveal red and black fruits. I get blackcurrant and raspberry in particular - quite...

Score 94/100

Balvenie 12 Year Old DoubleWood

Nose #1: Strangely, right after first pour, a whiff of stale next-day beer: That can't be right! Let's let it breath-- Good, it subsides. Nose #2: Then anise comes in, as a tingly oak spice. (I think this is what some call pine.) Straw and heather develop, and the anise is joined by nutmeg. I was anticipating allspice or honey, but it is...

Score 68/100

Balvenie 15 Year Old

The 15 year expression from The Balvenie is from a single bourbon cask and is bottled at a higher strength. I have found that right around 48% is about the ideal strength for me. After My experience with the quality of the 12 year double wood, I was excited to give this one a try. Nose: About the sweetest nose I've ever smelled. Honey, raw malt...

Score 55/100

Balvenie 21 Year Old Port Wood Finish

This is very, very good. Very complex it rewards, ahem, repeat visits and although it's outside the price range I love to drink in, I know i'll have another one of these before too long. Moreishness born of sheer quality. Nose: A bakery. Fig rolls and mince pies, raisins. Cut apples. The port puts me in mind of sherry, then almost brandy. In spite...

Score 90/100