Balvenie "A Revelation Of Cask & Character" 19 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 750 ml
(Speyside, Scotland) - [VP 94]

Distillery Notes:

From double-toasted casks to a liquid inspired by a rare rose, the Stories range tells the tales behind the whiskies. Through these tales, this range gives a view into life at our distillery, and introduces you to the Makers who work there.

This particular Sherry Oak maturation whisky is the result of years of curiosity and learning, but our story begins with an unexpected discovery even longer ago.

Malt Master Kelsey McKechnie describes this unique 19-year-old Balvenie as “the perfect way to showcase the journey of our Coopers, representing Head Cooper Ian McDonald’s work with Spanish bodegas. It’s a really rich expression, with familiar honey smoothness revealing layers of spice, and intense ripe fruits like a freshly baked Christmas cake, currants and raisins then giving way to chewy fig, and a long creamy, nutty finish. It has deep layers of flavour, all created by maturation solely in European oak ex-sherry casks and showcasing our Coopers’ craft perfectly.”

95 Proof

Tasting Notes:

NOSE: Intense ripe fruits and caramelised orange peel reveal beautifully toasted oak and milled barley

TASTE: Bold and balanced, flavours of currants, cherries and raisins give way to chewy fig, rich cacao and a creamy nutty finish

FINISH: Long and lingering

Awards/Reviews:

94 Points - Vinepair

"A variety of rich and ripe fruits kick things off on the nose: apricot, plantain, Moon Drop grape, green raisin, and plum. Those fruit and spice notes are bolstered by a dense, toasted wood sweetness, which adds a layer of maturity. Ripe fruit once again arrives early, kissing the tip of the tongue with a fructose-forward sweetness. After the midpalate, there’s a strikingly quick passage from fruit to chocolate- and coffee-forward flavors: semi-sweet baking chocolate, coffee cream, and tiramisu, which melt appealingly into the sides and back of the tongue. It’s here where the oak influence shines with outsized impact, balancing tannic with both sweet and spicy elements.The mouthfeel is creamy, and overall the whisky drinks a few ticks below its 95 proof, again showcasing the oak-forward flavors without becoming overly dry on any single part of the palate. The finish is of medium-length and pronounced in its character: crumbled coffee cake and chocolate-dusted tiramisu. A pleasing interplay between oak and its other flavors. It’s a satisfying pour with great body in the mouth, with both coffee and fruit taking things all the way home."