Balvenie – 50 Year Old Batch #1 Marriage 0962 (70cl, 41.6%)

A 50 year old single malt from Balvenie, Batch #1 of Marriage 0962, bottled at 41.6% in a 70cl bottle. It was released in 2018 in an edition of 110 bottles. The gift box is built from 48 layers of walnut wood and two layers of brass, making 50 layers in all, and comes with a standalone plinth and a brass wheel. The wheel is engraved with the tasting notes on one side and details of the component parts on the other. The nose is rich and deep, with oak tannins, dark fruits, bitter chocolate and intense spice. The palate is big and bold, malty and sweet with a spicy burst, honey and dark chocolate balancing the oak. The finish is rich and spicy, with a sweet oak note.