There is a lot to like about Whisky Review: Balvenie 12-Year DoubleWood on paper. At 40% ABV; ages in ex-bourbon barrels and hogsheads and $54.99; 40% ABV; ages in ex-bourbon barrels and hogsheads (a barrel of reused staves but with new oa, let us see if it lives up to expectations.
Nose
The nose greets you with sweet peat, flowers and a touch of alcohol. Successive nosing I found apple juice and almonds.
Finish
12-year Speyside Scotch Whisky, SRP $54.99; 40% ABV; ages in ex-bourbon barrels and hogsheads (a barrel of reused staves but with new oak ends), before being finished in ex-Oloroso sherry casks for an additional 9-months. Smoke, with a faint hint of dark chocolate dipped cherries, pecans, and salt brine. The taste isnt overly expressive; however, the flavors were easy to decipher. The finish was a medium length with a slight burn in the throat leading to a warming of the chest. It had a drying effect on the mouth but remained pleasant.
The Bottom Line
Whisky Review: Balvenie 12-Year DoubleWood is a perfectly respectable whiskey that does what it sets out to do. At $54.99; 40% ABV; ages in ex-bourbon barrels and hogsheads (a barrel of reused staves but with new oa, the value is reasonable — it will not blow your mind, but it will not disappoint you either. A reliable choice.
