The Balvenie Signature was launched in 2008 to celebrate David Stewart’s 45 years in the William Grant company. He’s the award winning Malt Master who composed some wonderful Glenfiddich and Balvenie. This 12 year-old Signature should be the proof of his knowledge and qualities.
It is made up of different casks: sherry oak, first fill bourban and refill sherry.
Balvenie 12y ‘Signature’
(40%, OB 2008, batch n°1)
Balvenie 12y ‘Signature’ Nose: wonderfully aromatic and rich. Immediately fruity: peaches on syrup, apricot, oranges. Balvenie’s trademark honey. Vanilla. Some floral notes as well. Very light influence of sherry, noticeable in notes of dried fruits (raisins). After a while, there’s a wave of toffee.
Mouth: quite soft. Again quite fruity (marmalade) and spicy (cinnamon, bergamot, nutmeg). The lightest whiff of smoke. Rather short finish on oak and spices. Slightly dryish in the end.
Very smooth and integrated. Delicious nose, but the mouth-feel is a bit less due to the low alcohol. Around € 40. Recommended.
Score: 87/100