The Balvenie 12yo DoubleWood

Whisky: The Balvenie 12yo DoubleWood, 43%
R550 ≈ £50

Matured for “many years” in ex-bourbon casks (probably 12-14 years?), and finished for a further few months in ex-sherry oak casks (probably 4-6 months?), this is a favourite dram for many and a great option for those newer to single malts.

Nose: Tangibly sweet and dripping honey with a drop or two of vanilla. Assorted dried fruits. Not a shy nose, quite powerful in fact, but still wonderfully smooth and alluring.

Taste: Flavours are long-lasting, rich and spicy. A weighty mouthfeel, that collapses on your tongue. Fruits and sweetness in great proportion.

Finish: Spice intensifies immediately upon finish and builds to a crescendo of honey and sweetness.

My Score: 84

This is a thoroughly enjoyable, full-flavoured whisky, and a reliable dram for that everyday drink. And not that it matters, but I also love the more classic bottle design – looks like a real Scotch whisky should.

Other Scores: MJ 87, JM’09 80.5, JH 86