* Sydney Balvenie whisky tasting night, 26 April 2018. Whisky #1. Nose: Vanilla, honey and dried fruits are immediately prominent. Behind these aromas there is a warm bouquet as of dusky orange blossoms or orange pomander balls in an old oak armoire. This is balanced by a light fragrance of fresh grapey sherry. It's a beautifully balanced and welcoming nose. Palate: A soft arrival that again features honey and vanilla, but this time leavened with sweet malt. Gentle warm spices appear throughout (cinnamon, nutmeg) and build in the development but there is no heat or nip at all - it's a very friendly palate. Dried fruits (sultanas, raisins) and sweet nuts (almonds, hazelnuts) appear against a background of mild oak. A very smooth and gentle mouthfeel like creamy milk chocolate. Finish: Short. Warm honey-malt that tails off fairly quickly, but not a trace of hot spice or bitterness - sweet to the end. A very pleasurable whisky that has been consistently good for a quarter of a century. Warm, comfortable and soft - like a favourite pair of slippers that are a little threadbare and plain but fit sooooo well. Impeccable balance and elegant simplicity. It's not a particularly complex or deep whisky, but it's not meant to be. Balvanie has a finishing philosophy of sewing things together neatly rather than attempting to fabricate complexity, and this is a fine example of that concept put into practice. The Balvenie new-make is delicate in flavour and robust in texture, and its character shines forth in all of their whiskies regardless of age or casking, from this one right through to the Tun expressions. It's an ideal second or third whisky for the novice or for relaxing with after a long day when you want a gentle companion rather than a challenging conversation. The only criticism I'd make is that it would benefit from bottling at a slightly higher proof. It's right at the boundary between 3 and 4 stars for me. "Good" : 83/100 (3.5 stars)