The Balvenie
8.4

The Balvenie

Islay Cask, 17 Years Old

ABV 43%

Cheaper than buying a distillery on Islay but what's next? Speyside finished Caol Ila or a cask aged in every region?

Dave Broom

Specification

The Balvenie

Brand

Islay Cask, 17 Years Old

Expression

Single Malt

Type

17

Age (Years)

43%

ABV

Scotland

Region/Country

Standard (Distillery or blended)

Bottling Type

Tasting Notes

Dave Broom

Taster

Nose: Well rounded. Honey and cream with some sultana and light phenolic notes.

Palate: An immediate sootiness. Soft, dessert like with a dry smouldering border. Lovely, if a bit schizoid.

Finish: Gentle with teasing smokiness.

Comment: Cheaper than buying a distillery on Islay but what's next? Speyside finished Caol Ila or a cask aged in every region?

Score: 7.8

Michael Jackson

Taster

Nose: Garden bonfires, or perhaps steam trains. A picnic in the park? After a number of nosings, there's seaweed and salt. Make that a picnic on the cliffs.

Palate: Honey. Sugar glazing and caramelising slightly. Nuts. A touch of candied orange peel. Lemon.

Finish: Fresh. Fragrantly smoky.

Comment: Reminiscent of the days when Speysiders were peatier.

Score: 9

8.4
Overall Score

From The Distillery

Related whiskies

Wonders of Whisky

Subscribe to the Whisky Magazine Newsletter to see the latest in all things whisky