Balvenie "Doublewood" 12 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

Silky and downright succulent, this Scotch is made with two types of oak casks—as the DoubleWood name suggests—but it’s really all about the influence of the ex-Sherry cask. Aromas suggest golden raisins and dried apricots. The silky palate starts out moderately smoky, but glides into a richer, honeyed, nutty profile that finishes with cocoa and clove accents. (KN) (12/2015)

This ever-popular expression of Balvenie is matured for roughly 12 years in ex-bourbon casks and finished for 9 months in Spanish oak oloroso sherry casks. Floral on the nose, with honey, oak, and almonds. Spicy sherry, nutmeg, and dried fruit on the silky palate. Quite long in the finish, with a hint of orange, plus drying spices. Elegant, yet robust. (GS, Fall 2018)

This is the best selling product from one of Speyside's most important and authentic distilleries. The Balvenie Distillery was founded in 1892 in a converted 18th century Mansion. It's founder, William Grant, had recently completed construction of another famous distillery in a field near Balvenie Castle. That distillery, Glenfiddich, would go one to be the best selling single malt in the world, but the excellent Balvenie Distillery was always a feather in William Grant's cap. The Balvenie was a pioneer in the use of cask finishes to enhance the character of their whiskies. Their flag ship Doublewood spends 10 years in Hogsheads before being finished for 2 years in Sherry Butts.