Balvenie is a quintessential Speyside malt, fairly light and balanced. The 12 years old Balvenie DoubleWood is a classic in the range. It is also the youngest expression since the 10 Year Old was discontinued a few years ago.
It is first matured in American ex-bourbon oak (“whisky oak” as The Balvenie calls it) and then finished in first-fill European oak sherry casks.
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 yo (40%, OB +/- 2016)
Nose: fairly smooth, with a little honey, oranges and vanilla. Sweet malt, peaches. A few floral notes as well. Very light sherry notes. Brioche. A fitting wood spice note as well.
Mouth: easy-going, with lots of malty notes, a nutty sweetness, apricot and cinnamon. Vanilla and nutmeg. Orchard fruits. Getting drier, with some cocoa, oak and leafy notes.
Finish: fairly short and dry, still malty, with a little charred oak and chocolate.
A fine dram with subtle sherry undertones, that plays in the same league as the Glenfiddich 12 or Glenlivet 12. A decent introduction to single malts and it does come with an age statement. Overall perhaps a little unremarkable and underpowered for true aficionados, but highly drinkable. Available from The Whisky Exchange or Master of Malt for instance.