The Balvenie – 12 Year DoubleWood (75cl, 40%)

The Balvenie 12 Year DoubleWood is a Speyside single malt from the distillery in Dufftown, bottled at 40% in a 75cl bottle. It is matured first in American oak whisky casks, then finished in Oloroso sherry oak. The sherry finish adds nutty sweetness, cinnamon and dried fruit over the distillery's honey and vanilla character. Balvenie grows its own barley on the adjoining estate, malts on site on traditional floor maltings and employs a full-time coppersmith to maintain its stills. The nose is sweet and honeyed, with fresh barley, vanilla cream, Oloroso sherry and a hint of cinnamon. The palate is smooth and mellow, with nutty sweetness, ripe orchard fruit and warm cinnamon. The finish is long and warming, with honey, dried fruit and gentle spice.