Balvenie 17 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700mL

Another fantastic invention from the workbench of Balvenie Malt Master David Stewart – a 17-year-old version of the bestselling DoubleWood. Still initially matured in ‘whisky oak’ casks before being switched to sherry wood to finish, the extra years give it extra depth without being overpowering.

FACTS

BOTTLER – Distillery Bottling

AGE – 17 Year Old

COUNTRY – Scotland

REGION – Speyside

CASK TYPE – Sherry Finish

TASTING NOTES

NOSE

Patisserie aromas, in fact this resembles nothing so much as a good-quality doughnut, complete with icing sugar & gooey strawberry jam; then a heavy dollop of vanilla and the first hint of sherry, in the form of raisin ice cream drizzled with honey, and of course oak – fresh timber and autumn leaves. Very appealing.

PALATE

Now the sherry influence is more prominent with cakey dried fruit (date, raisin) mingling with apple pie aromas. The main difference with the 12yo, though, is that here the oak is centre-stage. Naturally, as this is a Balvenie, it’s very good oak, with big creamy vanilla, polished wood, a bite of oakspices (clove, cinnamon) and a hint of dry liquorice.

FINISH

Medium-length, gently drying with a kick of spice.

COMMENT

Fans of the 12yo will like this a lot. It’s far too well-mannered to be a moody teenager, but Doublewood 17yo shows significantly greater depth of character than its happy-go-lucky younger sibling. It’s still great fun, though. A hit.