The Balvenie 2009 14 Years A Collection of Curious Casks
The ‘A Collection of Curious Casks’ series is proof of the Balvenie Distillery's innovative strength and craftsmanship. It offers whisky enthusiasts the opportunity to discover unusual and limited bottlings that are off the beaten track. We take a closer look at the 14-years Balvenie from the American Bourbon barrel.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The first sniff reveals a surprisingly dirty, maritime character, reminiscent of salty sea air and damp stones. However, clear honey and vanilla tones quickly join in, giving the whisky a sweet base. Light citrus peel and a hint of star anise round off the bouquet and give it an exotic flavour.
Palate
On the tongue, theSingle Malt unfolds as a light yet complex whisky. The sweetness of vanilla dominates at first, followed by a citrusy freshness reminiscent of lime and grapefruit. A chalky minerality pervades the flavour and gives it structure. Notes of light-coloured fallen fruit meadow and fresh grass resonate in the background, lending the whisky a summery lightness.
Finish
The finish is long and pleasant, with a distinct oaky spiciness accompanied by earthy and loamy nuances. The maritime, almost dirty character returns and leaves a lasting impression.
Thoughts
Marcel 85/100
With its fruity lightness and maritime notes, the Balvenie 2009 is a true delight for relaxed evenings – a whisky that sparks curiosity and is simply fun to enjoy. It surprises with character and a pleasant sweetness that invites you back for more without overwhelming the palate.
Sascha 82/100
The Balvenie 2009 14 Years presents itself as a well-balanced single malt with complex minerality and a successful harmony between sweet vanilla notes and maritime, earthy accents. Its long, spicy finish underscores the technical finesse of this Speyside bottling.
Value for Money: Fair
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What makes The Balvenie’s 'A Collection of Curious Casks' series special?
The series is distinguished by experimental and limited releases that employ unusual cask types and maturation processes to explore new flavor profiles beyond the classic Balvenie whiskies.
How does the American bourbon barrel influence the flavor of this 14-years Balvenie?
Maturation in American bourbon barrels imparts a sweet vanilla note to the whisky, supported by citrus fruits and a subtle spiciness, while the cask structure also promotes mineral and maritime-salty accents.
What sensory characteristics set this Balvenie 2009 14 Years apart from other Speyside whiskies?
In addition to the typical Speyside sweetness, this whisky exhibits an unusually maritime, almost dirty-mineral character, combined with exotic spices like star anise and a chalky minerality that give it a distinctive complexity.