Scotch

Whisky Review: Balvenie 12-Year DoubleWood

We review Balvenie 12-Year DoubleWood, an entry level Scotch single malt in this classic Speyside distillery's portfolio.

OVERALL RATING

7
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Balvenie 12-Year DoubleWood review

Tasting Notes

About:

12-year Speyside Scotch Whisky, SRP $54.99; 40% ABV; ages in ex-bourbon barrels and hogsheads (a barrel of reused staves but with new oak ends), before being finished in ex-Oloroso sherry casks for an additional 9-months.
Appearance:
A copper penny.
Nose:
The nose greets you with sweet peat, flowers and a touch of alcohol. Successive nosing I found apple juice and almonds.
Palate:
Smoke, with a faint hint of dark chocolate dipped cherries, pecans, and salt brine. The taste isn’t overly expressive; however, the flavors were easy to decipher. The finish was a medium length with a slight burn in the throat leading to a warming of the chest. It had a drying effect on the mouth but remained pleasant.
Finish:
Comments:
This is a great entry whisky. I think this whisky shows off what Balvenie can do, and makes you interested in trying the older expressions. A workhorse should be something you’d gladly pour friends and family before going, “wait till you try this!” and reach for the older version.rnrnMy largest critique is the simple fact there isn’t more complexity, but that comes with age. It’s clearly well crafted and cared for.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Charles Steele

Charles Steele, a Portland-based attorney, is a native of the Pacific Northwest. His legal background provides him with an analytical approach to understanding whiskey and other aged spirits. Primarily a legal writer, freelancing for The Whiskey Wash offers Charles a unique opportunity to showcase his versatility as a writer. Although his preference lies with whiskey and whiskey-based cocktails, he has a profound appreciation for all unique and unconventional liquors, from Malört to Ojen - if it's peculiar, he's intrigued.

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