The Balvenie : 17 Year DoubleWood

43% × 70cl × SPEYSIDE

Now discontinued, the 17 year took the 12 year and matured it for a further 5 years. Unfortunately here, longer maturation does not equal greater quality.

COLOR

Tawny with a tinge of sepia. No beading.

BODY

Moderately oily with thick, fast-moving legs.

NOSE

A rich, luxurious aroma of baked figs and roasted walnuts that evolves into stone fruits, dried fruits, toasted white bread (slightly buttered), ginger and vanilla.

PALATE

A little hot to start with, but then caramel followed by cappuccino, cinnamon and hazelnuts. The sharpness unfortunately prevents any sense of fluency.

FINISH

Hotness on the palate continues, leading to drying oak spice, lime rind and salt.

SCORE: 3.5/5