Balvenie 12 Year Old "The Sweet Toast of American Oak" Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

SKU #1547659 Whisky Advocate

Matured primarily in bourbon barrels for 12 years before a 3-month finish in slow-toasted virgin American oak barrels from Kelvin Cooperage in Kentucky. Honey, vanilla, cloves, dried fruit, and lively oak on the nose. The palate features citrus fruit and more cloves, with milk chocolate, honey, walnuts, and lots of wood spice. Raisins and black tea in the medium-length finish. (GS, Fall 2019)

K&L Notes

According to the producer, Balvenie's apprentice malt master Kelsey McKechnie had the idea to import virgin oak barrels from Kentucky. After a deep toasting at the Balvenie cooperage the barrels are filled with Balvenie that had aged in ex-bourbon barrels. Tasting notes: "Lusciously malty with some sweet fudge, followed by citrusy and oak vanilla aromas with layers of spicy oak notes of ginger and cinnamon. Aromas of candied orange and lemon peel, vanilla toffee and butterscotch, layers of blossom honey, some melted brown sugar and oak spices at the end. Rich and malty finish with gentle waves of oak vanilla and subtle spices."