THE BALVENIE - Single Barrel - 12 years - 47.8%
The Balvenie Single Barrel 12 Year Old, bottled at 47.8%, is an iconic expression of The Balvenie distillery, located in Dufftown, in the heart of Speyside. Founded in 1892 by William Grant, this family-run distillery maintains a rare expertise, mastering the entire production process, from the cultivation of its barley to the on-site cooperage, in order to preserve the authenticity and consistency of the Balvenie style.
Made from a single first-fill American oak cask, this single malt showcases the purity of the distillate and the richness of the wood. Each cask is individually selected by Master Blender David C. Stewart MBE for its unique flavor profile, offering slight variations from one cask to the next. This artisanal approach gives the whisky a unique identity, where the smoothness of Speyside is expressed in all its precision.
The nose opens with aromas of heather honey, vanilla, and fresh oak, enriched with notes of orange zest, ripe apple, and light spices. On the palate, the texture is round and creamy, marked by flavors of blond caramel, white-fleshed fruit, and sweet malt. The whole is balanced by a hint of ginger and a perfectly integrated woody warmth. The finish, long and elegant, stretches on nuances of vanilla, honey, and toasted oak, with a delicate floral persistence.
A classic and refined Speyside, both precise and comforting, expressing all of The Balvenie's artisanal mastery. Enjoy neat or with a few drops of water to reveal its aromatic complexity.