Balvenie – 12 Year Old Doublewood Single Malt Scotch Whisky (70cl, 40%)

This is a 12-year-old Balvenie single malt, bottled at 40% in a 70cl bottle. DoubleWood was launched in 1993 and uses a process devised by Malt Master David Stewart in 1982, now widely known as wood finishing. The whisky first matures for many years in traditional casks, which bring warming vanilla and spice. It then spends further time in European oak sherry casks, adding fruity, honeyed depth. The nose is sweet fruit and Oloroso sherry with honey and vanilla. The palate is smooth and mellow, with nutty sweetness, cinnamon spice and a light layer of sherry, and the finish is long and warming.