The Balvenie / 17 Years Old Sherry Oak

The Balvenie

17 Years Old Sherry Oak

ABV 43%
REVIEWED Issue 67

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Specifications

Brand: The Balvenie
Expression: 17 Years Old Sherry Oak
Type: Scotland Whisky / Single Malt
Age: 17 years old
ABV: 43%
Country/Region: Scotland
Bottling type: Standard (Distillery or blended)

Tasting notes

Taster Dave Broom

Nose: Chocolate covered raisins, dried fruit. Heavily sherried. Varnish, black banana and toffee apple. Shows some power. Freshly polished oak. In time (and with water) the nose firms up. Furniture polish and antique shops. Hint of sulphur.
Palate: Sweet start, melting dark chocolate. Firm enough grip which slightly mutes the mid palate and hides the sweetness behind.
Finish: Long mixing light spice, dried fruit, drying tannin and a nutty honeyed note. Ultimately dry.
Comment: Good but the oak has leaned a little too heavily on the expressiveness of the whisky.

8.0

Taster Martine Nouet

Nose: Sherried. Toffee, marrons glacés. Rich chocolate. A hint of rubber. Wet ground coffee. Maraschino. Walnut.
Palate: Smooth start with lots of chocolate fudge, then oak has its word, tightening up taste buds.
Finish: Woody and spicy.
Comment: The sherry influence conveys a certain dourness to the malt. Not fully convinced by this finish.

7.5

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Balvenie Distillery, Dufftown, Moray, Speyside, Scotland

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