The sixth batch of Balvenie Tun 1401 already. Read this for more insight into its concept. Batch n°6 was a USA exclusive, just like batch n°3. While its composition is similar (seven bourbon casks, three sherry casks) it is said to have less sherry character than its predecessor.
Batch n°7 should be arriving in travel retail stores any time now.
Balvenie ‘Tun 1401’
(49,8%, OB 2012, batch 6, 2500 btl.)
Balvenie ‘Tun 1401’Nose: less sherry maybe, but definitely more bourbon than other version. Polished bourbon oak, that is. Sawdust. Leather. Orange peel as a common thread in all Tun 1401 releases. Hints of cigar boxes. Evolving mostly on floral notes (chamomile).
Mouth: sweet attack with hints of vanilla and honey, but quickly turning to woody notes again. Sourish oak, coupled to lemon and a bit of pepper. Some tobacco. Loosing some of its body along the lines.
Finish: medium long, dry and zesty, with slightly bitter oak.
I had the impression other batches were fruitier, richer and less oak-driven. It’s doesn’t really disappoint but it makes it drop below 90 points in my book. While meant for the US, Whiskysite.nl in Holland has some on offer for € 400.
Score: 88/100