Balvenie – 12 Years Old Double Wood (70cl, 40%)

Balvenie Double Wood is a 12 year old single malt in a 70cl bottle at 40%. It was introduced in 1993, using a wood-finishing method developed in 1982 by the distillery's malt master, David C. Stewart. The whisky spends at least 12 years in traditional casks, ex-bourbon barrels and American oak hogsheads, then a further nine months in Oloroso sherry casks made from Spanish oak. A few months in large oak tuns follows, so the casks can marry. The nose has sweet fruit and Oloroso sherry with honey and vanilla. The palate is smooth and soft, with nutty sweetness, cinnamon and a measured layer of sherry. The finish is long and warm.