The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old

Description

Aroma

The initial nose of The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old welcomes you with a wave of honeyed sweetness.  Imagine swirling a glass of golden honey and inhaling its warm, inviting aroma.  This sweetness is a signature of The Balvenie, thanks to their use of traditional casks that have previously held bourbon or Scotch whisky.  The honey isn’t cloying, but sets a gentle and inviting base for the other aromas to emerge.

Following the honey, a touch of vanilla might appear.  Imagine the subtle sweetness of a vanilla bean pod, adding a touch of elegance and complexity to the aroma.  This vanilla note complements the honey beautifully and hints at the smooth character of the whisky.

But beneath this sweetness, a hint of something more intriguing emerges.  Imagine a whisper of sherried fruits like raisin and a touch of dried cherry.  This fruity character comes from the whisky’s time spent maturing in European oak sherry casks.  The sherry influence adds a layer of depth and complexity to the aroma, hinting at the delightful surprise waiting on the palate.

Palate

The first sip confirms the promise of the aroma – a delightful balance of sweetness, fruitiness, and a touch of Speyside character.  The honey and vanilla flavors translate beautifully onto the palate, coating your tongue with a familiar and pleasant sweetness.  This sweetness isn’t overpowering; it provides a warm and inviting base for the other flavors to emerge.

As the sweetness unfolds, a wave of sherried fruits washes over your tongue.  Imagine the juicy sweetness of plump raisins and the tart-like character of sun-dried cherries.  These fruity notes come from the European oak sherry casks and add a surprising layer of complexity to the overall flavor profile.  They prevent the sweetness from becoming cloying and keep the experience interesting.

Midpalate

As the whiskey lingers on your tongue, you’ll start to appreciate the influence of Speyside, Scotland.  A hint of malt character might emerge, reminding you of the whisky’s origins.  Imagine a subtle grainy texture that adds depth and a touch of earthiness to the experience.  This malt character balances the sweetness and fruitiness beautifully, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.

Following the malt, a touch of oak influence might appear on the midpalate.  This isn’t a dominant flavor, but a gentle reminder of the whisky’s maturation process.  Imagine a whisper of dryness that adds structure and complexity without overpowering the other elements.

A Touch of Spice

The double cask maturation can also introduce a subtle hint of spice.  Imagine a touch of cinnamon or a whisper of clove.  This spiciness isn’t overwhelming, but adds a touch of warmth and prevents the finish from being overly sweet.

Finish

The finish of The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old is smooth and warming, ensuring a satisfying conclusion.  The honey and vanilla sweetness fade gradually, leaving a hint of dry oak in its wake.  This oaky character adds a touch of complexity without being overpowering.  The lingering hint of spice from the sherry casks might also make a final appearance, adding a touch of warmth to the finish.