Scott_E
Balvenie DoubleWood 17 Year
Single Malt — Speyside, Scotland
Reviewed
January 3, 2021 (edited July 31, 2022)
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]
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Your description is spot on! I'm not overly keen on the vanilla cream note but clearly a quality dream.
Good review. I could easily picture those words in my mind. Good whisky does tend to bring the lyricist out
@PBMichiganWolverine lol. It was a 180 of definite quality. Was becoming accustomed to bottom feeding. Forgot what it was like to sip upon quality.
@Scott_E after that Jim Beam torture gambit, this was probably a welcomed dram
I quite enjoyed this one as well, and got the similar figgy milk chocolate notes. Great review!