LeeEvolved
Balvenie Peat Week 14 Year (2002 Edition)
Single Malt — Speyside, Scotland
Reviewed
April 21, 2018 (edited January 27, 2019)
** 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.
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@SolanaRoots - sadly, it was the 40% version. I suspect that played a big part in why I didn’t really enjoy it. Especially after paying $165 for it.
@PBMichiganWolverine Look forward to your review in the future (hopefully near-term)
@LeeEvolved Sounds like the Peat Week bottle(s) might be what you need to get your relationship with Balvenie back on track :) Was your Portwood the standard low abv or the 47.6% non-chill filtered version (either European or travel retail, can’t recall)?
@LeeEvolved @SolanaRoots. I also understand the first one, 2002, is better than the 2003 one.
@SolanaRoots - I have a bottle of the 2002 and 2003 but haven’t opened either yet. I just drank my bottle of the 21yo Port Wood and was thoroughly disappointed. Balvenie and I don’t seem to see eye to eye, lol. I did enjoy a small pour at Whiskyfest so I’m pretty sure I’ll enjoy this full bottle- I’m just not sure when I’ll get around to it.
@SolanaRoots not yet. It’s on my list...I’ve got two accidentally. I’ve heard it’s actually really good
@PBMichiganWolverine & @LeeEvolved - did either of you crack your bottle of this? Another one I’ve been curious about
@PBMichiganWolverine - nothing better than a happy mistake
@LeeEvolved I think it’ll be an annual release. This was their first one. I accidently got two ( I ordered and paid for one of the Peat Week, amd one of the Peated Triple cask. They accidentally gave two of the Peat Week...and I didn’t complain)