@cascode thank for all the insight. I agree that the 12 single barrel is superior to the 14 Caribbean cask. That's interesting about the 17, I'll have to give it a shot because I'm quite fond of its younger sibling. And as for the 15, that's exactly what I thought. The 15 year old bourbon barrel sells for $160 online, I guess because of it's rarity. Unless it's miles above the sherry 15, it's probably not worth the trouble. Which is a damn shame

@Whiskey_Hound PS - there used to be a 15 yo single bourbon barrel expression, but I don't know if you'd find it anymore. The 15 yo sherry cask is of but not in the same league (the 12 yo single bourbon barrel is better).

@Whiskey_Hound Well for me it is very much the older brother of the 12 Doublewood. Similar profile but everything is a bit richer, duskier, etc. eg the characteristic orange notes on younger Balvenie start to turn apricot, and the honey becomes "darker". There's nore stewed fruit than fresh fruit, and so on. It is a hefty step up in price - almost twice as much - so try a taste before buying a bottle. Actually if I was looking at a step up from the 12 Doublewood without paying silly money I'd look for a 12 year Single Barrel - you should be able to find it for about the same money as the Caribbean Cask, and it's miles better (IMHO).

@cascode You like the 17? How does it compare to this? Also, which 15 year are you talking about? I know that there's a single barrel and a sherry single barrel

@PBMichiganWolverine Yes, good call about the 1401 Tun expressions. The best thing Balvenie has ever done IMHO, but on the pricey side. The Caribbean Cask I found hit and miss, and thought it made more sense value wise to jump to the 17 year Doublewood. I think the single cask expressions are the best reasonably priced bottlings - the 12 is good, the 15 was wonderful. All that said, I have a soft spot for the old 12 Doublewood - it's just plain nice and great value.

@PBMichiganWolverine The single barrel is definitely worth a buy. And yeah, I've heard that after a certain point (maybe around 17 years) the Tun batches become the better values. I'll have to keep my eye out for that one

@Whiskey_Hound I’ve not had the 12 yr single barrel, but I’ve heard good things of it. Hands down best Balvenie, in my opinion, was the Tun1401 series. It was decently priced when it came out, not sure now

@PBMichiganWolverine I agree with that. I've got the 2003 vintage and it's top notch. The 12 year single barrel is up there as well

@dubz480 if you like the Balvenie slightly sweeter, yeah it’s a great deal. Personally at <$100, my favorite Balvenie has been Peat Week.

@dubz480 I’d agree with @Whiskey_Hound and it probably was a bit of a miss for me. My least favourite Balvenie so far, as I found it a little over-sweet

@dubz480 Yeah that's a great deal. It goes for $68-75 where I live. Still, there are better options even from Balvenie for someone who prefers bourbon like yourself. The Caribbean cask can be hit or miss, though I happen to like it. I'd see if you can get a pour at a bar before you the pull trigger. If you like it, $60 is a great price. I know I'd happily pay that

Balvenie Caribbean cask very smooth, one i think you would enjoy .$79.99 were i shop

Is the Carribien Cask worth $59? Saw it at Costco earlier and was curious