Whisky Review/Tasting: Balvenie Double Wood 12 years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: The Balvenie Distillery, sister to Glenfiddich, is located in Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: The whisky undergoes a unique process of maturation in two types of wood: traditional whiskey oak casks (ex-bourbon) for several years, imparting vanilla spiciness, followed by a few months in European oak sherry casks, adding complexity, fruitiness, and honey depth.
Age Statement: 12 years.
Color and Clarity: The whisky is artificially colored to maintain consistency across batches.
Bottle Design: The bottle has evolved from a cognac-shaped design (Founders Reserve) to its current form, emphasizing its double wood maturation process.

Balance of Flavors: The Balvenie Double Wood 12 years offers a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and fruity notes.
Unique Characteristics: It is characterized by its rich honey sweetness, delicate sherry layer, and the distillery's signature orange juice note. The use of both American and European oak casks introduces a complex interplay of vanilla, orange, honey, cinnamon, nuts, and dark chocolate, with a notable absence of dryness in the aftertaste.
Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, its unique double wood maturation process and flavor profile set it apart.

Anecdotes: The Balvenie Double Wood 12 years succeeded the Founders Reserve, marking a significant evolution in the distillery's approach to whisky maturation. It is one of the pioneers in showcasing the concept of finishing whisky in a second type of cask.
Trivia: Despite its popularity, The Balvenie has penetrated the market significantly without relying on traditional advertising, spreading its reputation through word-of-mouth.

Historical Context: The Balvenie maintains a traditional approach to whisky making, including owning its maltings to produce part of the malt it uses. This commitment to craftsmanship contributes to its distinct character and appeal.
Geographical Influence: The use of Scottish maltings and the influence of both American and European oak casks reflect a blend of cultural whisky-making traditions.

"This is a whisky as it should be. Full, complex, sweet, spicy, orange, honey, chocolate, everything you like."
The reviewer, Horst Luening, expresses a deep appreciation for the Balvenie Double Wood 12 years, highlighting its balanced and rich flavor profile.

The Balvenie Double Wood 12 years is a single malt Scotch whisky, matured in both ex-bourbon and sherry casks.
It features a complex flavor profile with notes of vanilla, orange, honey, cinnamon, nuts, and dark chocolate.
The whisky is known for its signature sweetness and absence of dryness, with a rich honey character and a delicate sherry layer.
It has a unique story of evolution from the Founders Reserve and is celebrated for its traditional craftsmanship.
The Balvenie has gained popularity through word-of-mouth, emphasizing its quality and distinctiveness without traditional advertising.

Whisky Enthusiasts: Those with a deep appreciation for traditional Scotch whisky-making techniques and the complexity of flavors derived from double wood maturation.
Beginners: New whisky drinkers might enjoy the Balvenie Double Wood 12 years for its approachable sweetness, rich flavor profile, and lack of harshness.
Collectors: Individuals interested in the historical and cultural significance of their whiskies might find the Balvenie's story and evolution particularly appealing.