Balvenie – Stories #1 – The Sweet Toast of American Oak 12 year old Whisky

Inspired to produce an even fruitier, sweeter Balvenie, Apprentice Malt Master Kelsey McKechnie had the bright idea to import Virgin Oak barrels from Kentucky. After deep toasting them at The Balvenie Cooperage they were filled with Balvenie aged in ex-Bourbon barrels. The result is a delectably complex Whisky with notes of candied fruit, coconut and delicate vanilla.

The nose is lusciously malty with some sweet fudge, followed by citrusy and oak vanilla aromas with layers of spicy oak notes of ginger and cinnamon. Candied orange and lemon peel come to the fore on the palate, followed by vanilla toffee, butterscotch, layers of blossom honey, some melted brown sugar and oak spices at the end. The finish goes full circle, rich and malty with gentle waves of oak vanilla and subtle spices.