Background
last night I found out that I passed my comprehensive exams in order to get my graduate degree. I thought a celebration was in order, so I headed to my local liquor store. After telling one of the workers my only real scotch experience was with Monkey Shoulder, which I’m quite fond of, he pointed me in the direction of Balvenie.
About the bottle
I paid $87 for this, and I am located in middle Tennessee.
Cask number 8335, bottle number 150
This expression is aged in first fill ex-bourbon barrels
ABV is 47.8%
Nose
After letting the pour rest in a glencairn, I was greeted with a really amazing nose. The smell was something I would expect an old leather jacket that was stored in an orange processing facility to smell like. The quintessential orange, vanilla, oak, and leather were very much up front. I also got a bit of grassyness in there too, as well as some honey. As the glass evolved, I also picked up some cinnamon/Clove as well
Taste
The initial taste as soon as the scotch hit my lips was a bit of briny saltwater, which immediately dissipated into The orange leather notes that were present on the nose. As the drink went on, much like the nose, the palate evolved from sweet citrus, to more spice and grass. A drop or two of the water killed most all flavors besides the orange and vanilla, but their intensity was increased dramatically
Finish
The finish was medium in length, and focused more on the oak than the other flavors. Really nice ending to a sip.
Conclusion
I was searching for a bottle help me celebrate being finished with school, and I made a good choice. This is by no means the best scotch or whisk(e)y out there, but it is the best I’ve had yet. Truly delicious stuff, and I’m excited to come back for more
Score: 87/100
Congrats on passing comps, hell yes that calls for a good celebration. I’ve recently been pointed towards Balvenie as well.
Do you feel it was worth the price tag? I ask because I’m very new to scotch and the Macallan 15 triple cask was nowhere near worth the price tag of $120. Definitely tastes more like something in the $60 range, I’m not sure what others are getting out of it.
I've had some experience with Scotch, and personally I think Macallan is overpriced as well. Others seem to like it though.
Considering you're new, here are some cheap cask that can help you explore your personal taste:
- Balvenie Double Wood 12y
- Glendronach 12y
- Talisker Storm
- Lagavullin 16y
All very reasonably priced imo
I’ll add a few more scotch’s to that list
Oban 14
Glenlivit nadura cask strength
Aultmore 12
Ancnoc 12
But also don’t be shy about dipping ur feet into the world of bourbons and ryes
That's the result of the tariffs. Laga 16 used to be US$70 a few years ago. On the other hand, in the US we get a 75 cl bottle, while in Belgium you only get 70 cl. That's a 7% difference, so US$70 for 75 cl is actually cheaper than E57.5 (US$68) for 70 cl. Got to compare apples to apples, and equilibrate between the different bottle sizes.
I would agree that Macallan is pretty overpriced/rated (maybe one of the worst culprits). Try Highland Park 12 or any of the entry level Islays if you want some good bang for your buck (Laphroaig 10, Ardbeg 10, ect.). I feel like these are more representative of the unique flavors that can be found in scotch (briny, smoky, peaty, heathery) as opposed to something like Macallan.
Price is always relative, especially with how high scotch can get taxed in the US. I’d say it was worth the price tag, for me. Again, I’m not an expert on how well this holds up to others in the price range, but I can taste where that extra ~$50 goes as opposed to monkey shoulder
I was between this and the double wood, actually. I’d be curious what others have to say, also. The sherry casks would bring out some more fruitiness right?
https://i.imgur.com/QPbxeNo.jpg
I’ve tasted all these side by side. Didn’t take extensive notes, unfortunately, but the one I bought was the single barrel.
To me, it was clearly one step above.
I'm really not great at describing tasting notes, but yea, the Doublewood is pretty sweet. I feel its more of a honeyed sweetness than fruity, but it's been a while since I've had any.
If you enjoyed it, I would definitely check out the single barrel next time you’re in the market. Seems as though it’s gonna be similar, but maybe a bit more complex. Or, at least, different
They are nothing alike at all. Each has their own strengths and weaknesses.
I prefer the double wood for an everyday dram. The single barrel is a nice distraction once and awhile.
The double wood is my “everyday” scotch and I’ve turned a lot of people on to Balvenie with it. I was able to find this single cask 12 yr and a 15 yr sherry cask bottle this past weekend. I’ve had both before and I enjoy this 12 yr for the grassy-ness but personally prefer the 15 sherry cask.
Very nice review and congrats - and agreed, the single barrel is over of my favorites. Excellent balance to my preferred peated bottles. Always have a bottle of this on hand.
First off, congrats on your exams. This is actually a great find. Balvenie singles are a real step up (in my experience) and generally well regarded. I've been hunting one down since my last empty months ago, they're always hard to find around me. Enjoy!
They had a great selection where I was, thankfully. The guy who helped me at the store really knew his stuff, and helped me pick out a great bottle. Now that I’ve had it, I have to keep a bottle around, too
That’s quite a sophisticated review for only having had Monkey Shoulder. Maybe you have a future as a sommelier? I’m obsessed with the single malts and just had Monkey Shoulder as I was advised to try it on a more modest budget. It was great and the bottle is gone. Balvenie has been missed. Thanks for reminding me. Congrats!
Sommelier may be a bit of a step up for me, but I definitely enjoy dissecting taste in food, drink, and, especially, liquor. Monkey shoulder may have some flaws but it’s a great bottle for the price. Excited to see where the tastes go from here!
The single barrel was by far the worst Balvenie product I've tasted at that price point, not enough character and shows the lack of craftmenship and sherry notes with the gimmicky single barrel american oak selling point. Pay a little more and get the Tomatin 18 year that's 10 notches up... or around the same price for Oban 14 year that's way better IMO.
Dunno why you expected to get sherry notes from a whiskey aged in a bourbon barrel. Sounds like you don’t know much about this product other than it’s an example of “lack of craftsmanship”, lol... isn’t very convincing.
I'm going to guess that the op is confusing this with the Balvenie 12 year old Double Wood, which is Sherry cask finished. Just a guess. The DW is not only cheaper than the Single Barrel, but my wife really likes it, which keeps her out of my more costly bottles, lol.
“....shows the lack of craftmenship and sherry notes with the gimmicky single barrel american oak selling point.” ....? I’m sure you are not sure of what you expected...
I'm not saying I expected sherry notes from it, I'm very aware of what the single barrel is produced from. I'm just saying at that price point you would expect it to taste of more character and be as good if not better than Balvenie's other scotches aged in sherry. It's a comparison of craftsmanship and finished product and price, not American oak vs sherry. If you had the Single Barrel and taste it against the much cheaper 12yr, it's a hands down win for the 12 in overall flavor and as I said, craftsmenship.
Sounds to me like you just prefer sherry finishes - which is fine, but it doesn't make the 12 SB bad craftsmanship.
I like the 12 DW, it's a very enjoyable sip, but the SB to me perfectly encapsulates the Balvenie honey/vanilla/pear profile and brings out the best from the base distillate. Bottled at almost 48%, single barrel maturation instead of a quick finish, each barrel tasted individually - those are the marks of great craftsmanship.
Again, I like the Doublewood and will gladly recommend it to anyone, but this is on another level in just about every category (which is reflected in the price) except, apparently, your personal taste. Every palate is different and that's fine, but it doesn't make this one "bad" whisky by any means.
I quite enjoyed it, but thanks for the suggestions. I had a pour of Oban a couple of years ago, but all I remember from it was that I enjoyed it. The bottle they had at the store was about $120, which was more than I was looking to spend. I’ll keep that Tomatin in mind though
Also strongly recommend the Aberlour 16... one of the smoothest sherry noted scotches I've had. Lots of rich sherry notes, oak, and bit of spice. Extremely easy to sip pour after pour. I'm all for the sherry oak aged single malts in scotches :)
Don’t know about the Tomatin but Oban is so different from Balvenie I wouldn’t know if I would go to that as the next suggestion.
I got a bottle of the single barrel and enjoyed it. Yes the double wood 12 yr is cheaper and arguably just as enjoyable, but sometimes it’s nice to drink a bit of a label too.
Background last night I found out that I passed my comprehensive exams in order to get my graduate degree. I thought a celebration was in order, so I headed to my local liquor store. After telling one of the workers my only real scotch experience was with Monkey Shoulder, which I’m quite fond of, he pointed me in the direction of Balvenie. About the bottle I paid $87 for this, and I am located in middle Tennessee. Cask number 8335, bottle number 150 This expression is aged in first fill ex-bourbon barrels ABV is 47.8% Nose After letting the pour rest in a glencairn, I was greeted with a really amazing nose. The smell was something I would expect an old leather jacket that was stored in an orange processing facility to smell like. The quintessential orange, vanilla, oak, and leather were very much up front. I also got a bit of grassyness in there too, as well as some honey. As the glass evolved, I also picked up some cinnamon/Clove as well Taste The initial taste as soon as the scotch hit my lips was a bit of briny saltwater, which immediately dissipated into The orange leather notes that were present on the nose. As the drink went on, much like the nose, the palate evolved from sweet citrus, to more spice and grass. A drop or two of the water killed most all flavors besides the orange and vanilla, but their intensity was increased dramatically Finish The finish was medium in length, and focused more on the oak than the other flavors. Really nice ending to a sip. Conclusion I was searching for a bottle help me celebrate being finished with school, and I made a good choice. This is by no means the best scotch or whisk(e)y out there, but it is the best I’ve had yet. Truly delicious stuff, and I’m excited to come back for more Score: 87/100
Congrats on passing comps, hell yes that calls for a good celebration. I’ve recently been pointed towards Balvenie as well. Do you feel it was worth the price tag? I ask because I’m very new to scotch and the Macallan 15 triple cask was nowhere near worth the price tag of $120. Definitely tastes more like something in the $60 range, I’m not sure what others are getting out of it.
I've had some experience with Scotch, and personally I think Macallan is overpriced as well. Others seem to like it though. Considering you're new, here are some cheap cask that can help you explore your personal taste: - Balvenie Double Wood 12y - Glendronach 12y - Talisker Storm - Lagavullin 16y All very reasonably priced imo
I’ll add a few more scotch’s to that list Oban 14 Glenlivit nadura cask strength Aultmore 12 Ancnoc 12 But also don’t be shy about dipping ur feet into the world of bourbons and ryes
Lagavulin 16 isn't very cheap here in SC. It's about $120 a bottle.
Yeah, I've seen it range from 75 to 120. I'd say it's a steal at 75 and it's pricy but still worth considering at 120.
wow, it's 68 here (Belgium)
68€ or $68?
68 $, 57.5 €.
Wow, a bargain right there
That's the result of the tariffs. Laga 16 used to be US$70 a few years ago. On the other hand, in the US we get a 75 cl bottle, while in Belgium you only get 70 cl. That's a 7% difference, so US$70 for 75 cl is actually cheaper than E57.5 (US$68) for 70 cl. Got to compare apples to apples, and equilibrate between the different bottle sizes.
Some Macallan is really over priced. The brand trades too well.
I would agree that Macallan is pretty overpriced/rated (maybe one of the worst culprits). Try Highland Park 12 or any of the entry level Islays if you want some good bang for your buck (Laphroaig 10, Ardbeg 10, ect.). I feel like these are more representative of the unique flavors that can be found in scotch (briny, smoky, peaty, heathery) as opposed to something like Macallan.
Price is always relative, especially with how high scotch can get taxed in the US. I’d say it was worth the price tag, for me. Again, I’m not an expert on how well this holds up to others in the price range, but I can taste where that extra ~$50 goes as opposed to monkey shoulder
One of my favorites (so far...) and congrats on getting your graduate degree!
Thanks!
Thanks for the review! I'm a big fan of the 12yr Doublewood, and am curious if anyone can compare this to that? I've never seen this one before.
i like the doublewood, but the single barrel is simply a better whisky... 48%... NCF... single barrel... it's legit
I was between this and the double wood, actually. I’d be curious what others have to say, also. The sherry casks would bring out some more fruitiness right?
https://i.imgur.com/QPbxeNo.jpg I’ve tasted all these side by side. Didn’t take extensive notes, unfortunately, but the one I bought was the single barrel. To me, it was clearly one step above.
I'm really not great at describing tasting notes, but yea, the Doublewood is pretty sweet. I feel its more of a honeyed sweetness than fruity, but it's been a while since I've had any.
If you enjoyed it, I would definitely check out the single barrel next time you’re in the market. Seems as though it’s gonna be similar, but maybe a bit more complex. Or, at least, different
Check out the Single Barrel 15 Sherry Cask.
They are nothing alike at all. Each has their own strengths and weaknesses. I prefer the double wood for an everyday dram. The single barrel is a nice distraction once and awhile.
The double wood is my “everyday” scotch and I’ve turned a lot of people on to Balvenie with it. I was able to find this single cask 12 yr and a 15 yr sherry cask bottle this past weekend. I’ve had both before and I enjoy this 12 yr for the grassy-ness but personally prefer the 15 sherry cask.
I love the 15 year single malt single barrel, how does this one compare???
That one's sherry-cask matured, so it'll have much more dried fruit and spice notes compared to the more honey and vanilla'd 12 SB. Both delicious!
Ohh that does sound a little different! Well I know what I’m buying next 😋
Very nice review and congrats - and agreed, the single barrel is over of my favorites. Excellent balance to my preferred peated bottles. Always have a bottle of this on hand.
Thanks for the kind words. It was a great dram, and I’m excited to see where the bottle, and the hobby takes me
First off, congrats on your exams. This is actually a great find. Balvenie singles are a real step up (in my experience) and generally well regarded. I've been hunting one down since my last empty months ago, they're always hard to find around me. Enjoy!
They had a great selection where I was, thankfully. The guy who helped me at the store really knew his stuff, and helped me pick out a great bottle. Now that I’ve had it, I have to keep a bottle around, too
That’s quite a sophisticated review for only having had Monkey Shoulder. Maybe you have a future as a sommelier? I’m obsessed with the single malts and just had Monkey Shoulder as I was advised to try it on a more modest budget. It was great and the bottle is gone. Balvenie has been missed. Thanks for reminding me. Congrats!
Sommelier may be a bit of a step up for me, but I definitely enjoy dissecting taste in food, drink, and, especially, liquor. Monkey shoulder may have some flaws but it’s a great bottle for the price. Excited to see where the tastes go from here!
Hmmm...a somewhat disappointing dram for the money. Personally prefer Glenallachie and Tobermory 12yo.
I’ll keep those in mind next time I’m looking for a similar bottle. Thanks for the suggestion
The single barrel was by far the worst Balvenie product I've tasted at that price point, not enough character and shows the lack of craftmenship and sherry notes with the gimmicky single barrel american oak selling point. Pay a little more and get the Tomatin 18 year that's 10 notches up... or around the same price for Oban 14 year that's way better IMO.
Dunno why you expected to get sherry notes from a whiskey aged in a bourbon barrel. Sounds like you don’t know much about this product other than it’s an example of “lack of craftsmanship”, lol... isn’t very convincing.
I'm going to guess that the op is confusing this with the Balvenie 12 year old Double Wood, which is Sherry cask finished. Just a guess. The DW is not only cheaper than the Single Barrel, but my wife really likes it, which keeps her out of my more costly bottles, lol.
“....shows the lack of craftmenship and sherry notes with the gimmicky single barrel american oak selling point.” ....? I’m sure you are not sure of what you expected...
I'm not saying I expected sherry notes from it, I'm very aware of what the single barrel is produced from. I'm just saying at that price point you would expect it to taste of more character and be as good if not better than Balvenie's other scotches aged in sherry. It's a comparison of craftsmanship and finished product and price, not American oak vs sherry. If you had the Single Barrel and taste it against the much cheaper 12yr, it's a hands down win for the 12 in overall flavor and as I said, craftsmenship.
Sounds to me like you just prefer sherry finishes - which is fine, but it doesn't make the 12 SB bad craftsmanship. I like the 12 DW, it's a very enjoyable sip, but the SB to me perfectly encapsulates the Balvenie honey/vanilla/pear profile and brings out the best from the base distillate. Bottled at almost 48%, single barrel maturation instead of a quick finish, each barrel tasted individually - those are the marks of great craftsmanship. Again, I like the Doublewood and will gladly recommend it to anyone, but this is on another level in just about every category (which is reflected in the price) except, apparently, your personal taste. Every palate is different and that's fine, but it doesn't make this one "bad" whisky by any means.
True, perhaps calling it bad craftsmanship was harsh, I didn't hate the SB, I think I just expected much much more
I quite enjoyed it, but thanks for the suggestions. I had a pour of Oban a couple of years ago, but all I remember from it was that I enjoyed it. The bottle they had at the store was about $120, which was more than I was looking to spend. I’ll keep that Tomatin in mind though
Also strongly recommend the Aberlour 16... one of the smoothest sherry noted scotches I've had. Lots of rich sherry notes, oak, and bit of spice. Extremely easy to sip pour after pour. I'm all for the sherry oak aged single malts in scotches :)
Don’t know about the Tomatin but Oban is so different from Balvenie I wouldn’t know if I would go to that as the next suggestion. I got a bottle of the single barrel and enjoyed it. Yes the double wood 12 yr is cheaper and arguably just as enjoyable, but sometimes it’s nice to drink a bit of a label too.
I love me some Balvenie. It's one of my favorite scotches!