Batch six in the Balvenie Tun 1509 series is a marriage of 21 casks, including refill sherry butts, ex-bourbon barrels and barrels previously used to finish Balvenie Double Wood. They are married by Malt Master David Stewart MBE.
Balvenie Tun 1509
(50,4%, OB 2019, Batch #6)
Balvenie Tun 1509Nose: I’d say one or more sub-par sherry casks went into this, judging by the musty hints. Plenty of toffee and caramel, as well as brown sugar, toasted biscuits and some vanilla. Baked apples. Feels quite a bit younger than the first batches.
Mouth: same feeling. Plenty of oak influence but not as fresh and fruity as I hoped. Baked apples, now also prunes and nutty notes. Dark honey. Roast barley. Nutmeg. Some maple syrup and caramel.
Finish: quite long, with the oak coming out more clearly
Frankly I don’t want a premium expression to be full of toffee notes and sub-par sherry aromas. I want the uniquely jammy, fruity character of before. I’m afraid this is going downhill. Still available from TWE or currently with a nice discount from Loch Fyne.
Score: 85/100