If last week was deceptively simple, this week is a whisky that bears all the hallmarks of the Balvenie, but with an added level of complexity that comes from finishing the whisky in casks that once held Caribbean rum. After a 14 year maturation period in traditional oak whisky casks, the Balvenie is then transferred to the rum casks, leading to an exceptional Single Malt that exemplifies the signature smooth, honeyed character of the Balvenie, while adding unique notes of toffee and fruit that come from its innovative cask finish.
A CASTLE stands in a fertile Speyside glen. Robert the Bruce crops up in its history, Mary Queen of Scots once slept there and Margaret Douglas, The Fair Maid of Galloway, had a tempestuous history that ended happily with the annual castle rent fixed by an admiring king at a single red rose. From such history, and stones, springs Balvenie the handcrafted Malt.
And I find that history in each sip, the initial taste is mild but it quickly rises up to take hold of your palette, a grip that is not released even after you swallow… a strong taste of peat but also fruit. Not a dram to only have one of. Enjoy.
- Rick
I'd say this was the color of the midday sun, but since I haven't seen the sun in like years, only working from faded memory (ok, days, but it seems longer...).
ReplyDeleteThis one tickles the nose in a big glass as I go to take my sip, and a full mouth burn that only starts after the swallow and air hits it. Kind of like a Peppermint Patty on steroids and without the sweetness.
Ok, I likee this one. Big taste, big burn, just warms the heart. Of course, it could also be the cold greyness of Maine that mirrors Scottish weather is affecting my judgment, but if I want to be so easily swayed, so be it.
Good share brother Rick!
Color in the Jefferson cup, an orange/amber tint, but pleasing.
ReplyDeleteNose: alcoholic with a hint of medicinal overtones.
1st sip: Citrus leaning towards orange with a warm burn aftereffect. 2nd sip:a bit of creamy texture with less warmth but still the sweet citrus leavened with a hint of wood/grain. A splash keeps the warmth but adds a hint of coffee/caramel. Make it caramel. Still warm on the tongue. Nice. An ice cube tames the warmth and brings out the cane/caramel with a creamy base. Real nice.
Color: a nice burnt orange
ReplyDeleteLegs: strong
Nose: a rich aroma with vanilla, heath? Not sure but very, very enjoyable
Taste: a warm taste of smoke
Finish: lasting finish of whatever the sweet flavor is, very, very nice.
OK, so brother Rick is clearly batting 1000 so far. This is a rich, sweet, creamy enjoyable dram with just the right amount of peaty/smokiness. I am once again, very, very hesitant to add a drop of water, but I was smart, I only poured a little bit into my glass (hee, hee). The drop brings out a little more of everything, but I will finish the rest neat. Thanks again Bro!
This is high on the list of one of my favorites. I think the balance in this Scotch is lovely. I agree with Ned that there is a nice balance of smokiness. To me it is beautifully offset with a slight sweetness, burnt caramel perhaps instead of too much peat. Remains one of my favorites.
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