The Balvenie 12 Years Doublewood
The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 years is the youngest bottling from Balvenie's Core Range with an age statement. This malt matures in ex-bourbon casks and receives a subsequent post-maturation in ex-Oloroso sherry casks.The Balvenie distillery is located on the Speyside in Dufftown. It dedicates itself to the traditional production of Single Malts and is one of the few distilleries that still dries their (on-site grown) barley on its own malting floors.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The 12 years Whisky opens with the sweetness of fresh blossom honey. The malt smells extremely juicy with malty vanilla notes. Behind the delicate sweetness, the bouquet is coated by a pleasant spicy sherry note.
Palate
Fittingly, it presents buttery soft and mild on the tongue. We perceive nutty notes and a hint of cinnamon. Likewise, an association of freshly caramelized crème brûlée imposes itself. Here, too, the sweet fresh aromas of sherry and the spiciness of European oak wrap the flavour.
Finish
The finish of the single malt is medium in length. As before, a wonderful marriage of fresh sweet flavors with spicy oak tones.
Thoughts
Marcel 84/100
A truly delicious Speysider that’s simply enjoyable with its sweet honey notes and spicy hints of sherry. The creamy texture and subtle caramel undertones invite relaxed sipping – this is exactly how a 12-years DoubleWood should taste. For whisky fans who appreciate something straightforward yet full of character, this one’s a real winner.
Sascha 81/100
The Balvenie 12 Year DoubleWood presents a well-balanced interplay of vanilla, nutty notes, and subtle oak spice that clearly defines the single malt’s structure. The finishing maturation in sherry casks integrates harmoniously without overpowering, lending the Scotch a medium-length, elegant finish. A solid Speyside malt with clean cask maturation and a balanced aromatic profile.
Value for Money: Fair
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What does the double wood maturation mean in The Balvenie 12 Year DoubleWood?
Double wood maturation refers to the whisky’s aging first in ex-bourbon barrels and then in ex-oloroso sherry casks. This combination imparts a balanced blend of sweet vanilla and honey notes alongside spicy sherry aromas.
How does Balvenie’s traditional barley drying affect the flavor?
Balvenie still dries its barley on-site using traditional malting floors, allowing for gentle processing. This method contributes to a particularly malty and complex flavor profile, which is clearly noticeable in the DoubleWood 12 Year.
Why does The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year have a medium-length finish?
The medium-length finish results from the combination of sweet honey and caramel flavors from the bourbon cask maturation with the spicy oak tones from the sherry casks. This harmonious marriage creates a balanced and lingering taste conclusion.