Balvenie 12yo DoubleWood

The Balvenie 12yo DoubleWood is a classic expression. It might not be as recognizable as a Glenlivet 12 (R.I.P.) or as iconic as the Lagavulin 16, but it is a classic nonetheless. The DoubleWood name of course stands for the maturation in two different wood types. First a long period in ex-bourbon casks, after which it is finished in first fill European oak sherry casks.

Balvenie 12yo DoubleWood (40%, OB)

Nose: Soft notes of oak, vanilla and honey. Some more sweetness is provided by brown sugar. Fruitiness in the form of stewed apples and oranges.
Taste: Sweet beeswax and vanilla, a little too sweet at first. It balances out a bit with the presence of spices (cloves), burnt caramel and toasted oak. A hint of plums.
Finish: Short to medium in length. Spicy with a touch of marzipan.

Rating: 81

A sweet and spicy Speysider. Nothing to brag about, but it is a decent whisky for a decent price.