The Balvenie – 16 Year Old French Oak Finished in Pineau Casks (75cl, 47.6%)

This is a 16 year old single malt Scotch whisky from The Balvenie distillery in Dufftown, Speyside, bottled at 47.6% ABV in a 750ml bottle. It is non-chill filtered and of natural colour. The whisky spent 16 years in traditional American oak casks before a finish in French oak casks that previously held Pineau des Charentes, a fortified French aperitif. It belongs to the Cask Finishes range, and Pineau casks were a first for the distillery. The nose is light and floral, with lotus, geranium, fresh meadow grass and peeled apple skin. The palate brings tangy lemon rind and grapefruit alongside glazed fruits and root-ginger spice, followed by a refreshingly concise finish.