Balvenie Peat Week 14 Year (2002 Edition)

Bourbony nose. Toffee and sweet grass transforms into a finish that burns (in a bad way) and leaves an overly candied, artificial, Splenda taste.

** Disclaimer: This review is what I would consider a “Quick Hit”- meaning I won’t have my usual in-depth notes that I usually like to take. The reason: this sample was poured at Whiskyfest DC on 4/17/18. All of these reviews will not be scored and I am actively looking to try them again at some point to do them more justice. I’m down to my final, favorite 3 whiskies from the festival. I really expected the 21 Port Wood to be up here, but instead I find the 14yo Peat Week. The really was an excellent dram. Balvenie doesn’t typically peat their whiskies, but like everyone else (minus Macallan) they switch their distillery over and distill with peat for a couple weeks every so often. And I must say, perhaps they should do this annually, because this was a damn fine whisky. There were hints of sweetness floating through the palate, but it was something about the peat in this one- it just tasted so pure (I know that doesn’t make sense, but that’s how it felt). The mouthfeel was ultra smooth and the finish was soft and gentle, but lingering. I’m close to scoring this a perfect 5. It just tasted so good. I’m glad I have a bottle, but I think I should find another and drink it on special occasions. It’s fantastic stuff. Cheers.

smooth... bit too smooth? so little flavor that the alcohol bite might overwhelm it.