The Balvenie is one of the most famous distilleries in Scotland, producing up to seven million litres of whisky per year. It is located in Dufftown in the Speyside region and is owned by William Grant & Sons. They also own the neighbouring distillery of Glenfiddich. The Balvenie was founded in 1892 and build next to Glenfiddich by William Grant.
The Balvenie is unique as they are one of the small number of distilleries to have their own floor maltings (they are one of only two in Speyside to do this – Benriach is the other), a cooperage where they make their casks and even grow some of the barley used during production in the grounds of the distillery. In 2022, over 5.3 million bottles of Balvenie were sold across the world putting it inside the Top 10 brands for sales. However, for context Glenfiddich sold 20 million bottles in the same period.
The Balvenie 12 years old Doublewood is one of the cornerstones of that success. The term ‘Doublewood’ refers to the whisky is ageing in two types of wooden cask during its 12 years of maturation. For approximately 10 years, it matures in bourbon casks and is then transferred into sherry casks for the final two years. Bottled at 40% ABV, The Balvenie Doublewood is readily available worldwide in many good drink shops.
Our Tasting Notes
The colour is a bright rich gold. The nose is full of sweet ripe stone fruit aromas (think of apricots and peaches) and these combine well with vanilla, fresh coconut, white chocolate and honeycomb. There is also hints of cocoa powder and something floral – imagine fresh cut meadow flowers.
On the palate, this is smooth and mellow with a satisfying creamy mouth feel. There is a plump ripe stone fruitiness (those peaches and apricots again), which is joined by raisins and juicy plump sultanas. Then comes a malty sweetness, an element of sweet nuts (this is reminiscent of almond marzipan), some milk chocolate and a hint of warming nutmeg and cinnamon spice. A rich oakiness sits underneath, as does a hint of candied peel sweetness (especially orange). Both add further depth and complexity.
The finish is complex and long with a buttery creaminess. Notes of concentrated dried fruit (those raisins again with a hint of candied orange) and vanilla drive the finish on, enhanced by the sherry cask influence – this provides a refreshing dryness and nut-like quality. Superbly balanced.
What’s The Verdict?
Balvenie have produced one hell of a whisky here. It is one of our favourites and one of the whiskies that got us interested in whisky. It offers a gorgeous and complex drinking experience. Many people say that the Doublewood shows the perfect marriage and time of maturation between the bourbon and sherry casks and I would have to agree. This is a fantastic whisky and is widely available for between £25-30 in supermarkets. It is also available in specialist whisky retailers. Go out and buy a bottle! It is a classic Speyside Scotch single malt.
