ScotchingHard
Balvenie Single Barrel 12 Year
Single Malt — Speyside, Scotland
Reviewed
April 30, 2018 (edited June 4, 2018)
33 open bottles in my collection ranked through multiple blind tastings. Counting them down!
#24: The Balvenie Single Barrel First Fill. Single Malt Scotch. 47.8% ABV. Cask 3376
Paid $59
Sale price. If I can find this again for a similar price, I will probably restock.
Much better than the standard DoubleWood, which was friendly and predictable on opening, and just went downhill to become frail and flaccid with time. This single cask first fill bourbon 12 year started out awkward and autistic; but blossomed into a well-composed, crisp, and highly enjoyable sipper. Green fruits on the nose. Vibrant honey, green tea, and Juicy Fruit gum on the palate. A delicate smoky finish. This bottle definitely improves over the months.
MARK: 86/100
PREVIOUSLY, ON BATMAN:
#25: Bulleit Barrel Strength Batch 5. $55. 62.7%. NAS. 84/100
#26: Glenkinchie Distiller’s Edition. $46. 43%. 2004/2016. 83/100.
#27: Macallan Sherry Oak. $66. 43%. 12 years. 82/100.
#28: Eagle Rare. $37. 45%. 10 years. 80/100.
#29: Old Pulteney. $40. 43%. 12 years. 80/100.
#30: Balvenie DoubleWood. $50. 43%. 12 years. 78/100.
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