Balvenie DoubleWood 17 Year

We tasted this side by side with the 12 yr and the 14 yr Caribbean cask. We all agreed that is was phenomenal but it was interesting to see where the 17 yr lost a lot of the Smokey peat taste. All great options and all have something I can love

Rich fruity smell with a whiff of woodshop or antique furniture store. Dry sherry and oak taste with a ping of mint somewhere in there too. A spicy tingle and red wine tannin on the finish. I like the deep oakiness but there may be a bit too much sherry for my preference. Overall not bad at all, as are other Balvenie I’ve had. I would rate the Doublewood 12yo higher so, having tried this miniature, I’m gonna pass on shelling the extra quid for a full bottle of this.

Heavy oak. Vanilla and cigar box. Milk chocolate. Faint campfire notes. Toasty. Lightly sweet and fruity finish.

I will have to say, I’m a big Balvenie fan and had been looking forward to this 17 year because I enjoy the 12 year so much. That said, I was underwhelmed by this, considering it’s age and price point. It felt like a scotch this was trying to be everything, but not great at anything. I enjoy the 12 much more and many others that cost far less.

Yes it has sweet notes and balance upfront, but has the Johnn walker finish in the end, like Johnny walker did a decent scotch, which doesn’t necessarily make it good. 1 and done

Delightful. Sweet, almost chocolatey

Opportunity presented itself where my neighbor happens to possess a bottle of this matured scotch. With much curiosity and intrigue, seeking answers, does this command the high price tag? Is it worlds better than its younger kin? Picture yourself in an apple orchard on a crisp fall day. Ripened and swollen apples and pears are front and center. Layer the orchard aromas with toffee, orange marmalade, crushed pecans and ground cinnamon. Rather strong and vivid images this one stirs. Arrives on the palate prickly, front forward, in a creamy body. As it settles in, richness of dried fruits from sherry maturation of figs, dates and currants provide a solid base which supports the added flavors of baking spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves. There is a stream of vanilla and milk chocolate and a malted sweetness, ever so slight, but enough to temper the baking spices. As the palate gradually fades, the oak wood tannins dry the palate, quite strongly. Vanilla and milk chocolate, so slight, melt away leaving the palate smacking dry with a trace amount of charcoal. Not unpleasant and quite well suited for the character of the whisky. This is a deeper and richer version of the younger sibling with a stronger oak presence. There is nothing offensive in this dram and has broad appeal. I can envision one in a darkened mahogany lounge or sitting room, with a quorum of friends, reminiscing of days past over good laughs. Is it worth the premium for these experiences? Totally a subjective opinion. Worthy, though, for one to seek the experience. [88/100][Tasted: 1/2/21]