Here we are, back on the single malt scotch video train, and with one of the more ubiquitous names in the scotch game: Balvenie.
It’s probably only been over the last 20 years or so that Balvenie has actually garnered a lot of attention and a large fan base (and even moreso in recent years), but it was always a name I closely associated both with scotch and quality. It was one of the first single malts that I truly grew to appreciate and has remained a stalwart of my whisky cabinet.
That said, the price point of Balvenie 12 (and their 14 year Caribbean Cask) have really started pushing the upper limits of what I’m willing to spend for whisky of that age (at least here in Canada).
But price aside, what’s the whisky all about? Let’s find out!
Quick notes:
Nose: Very malty, cereal forward on the nose. Sweet, honeyed nuttiness (think almonds). Orange citrus and light vanilla.
Palate: Very rich and good weight on the palate. Immediately sweet and honeyed, with that prominent cereal note from the nose coming through on the palate. Vanilla comes through on the development, with fresh strawberry, and a bare hint of gingery spiciness in the development.
Finish: Medium length, still slightly sweet, little to no spice, it doesn’t overstay its welcome.
Thoughts: Still a very solid and well-made, if uncomplicated, scotch. It’s comforting, it’s tasting, and it hits the notes you would expect from your standard speyside single malts. Balvenie’s price point for a 12 year old whisky is starting to push the bounds, but I still find myself stocking it in the bar.
The Green Malt 