A story of oak maturation

The Balvenie distillery was founded by the William Grant & Sons family in 1892 in Dufftown. This same family started the Glenfiddich and the Kininvie distilleries in the Speyside region. It is one of the few Scotch distilleries which has its own malting floors, also supplying its neighbour Glenfiddich. The Balvenie whiskies are elaborated for more than 50 years by David Stewart, the masterblender. The company enjoys a excellent reputation in the whisky world with several whisky awards.

Today, let’s taste one of his realisations, The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 y.o. It is a Single malt Scotch Whisky which is matured in two distinctive casks. Over its period of maturation, it’s transfered from an ex-Bourbon oak cask to a Sherry oak cask. 

Tasting notes

Colour: Amber

Nose: Citrus fruits (Orange dried peel), honey, vanilla. Hints of oak.

Palate: Soft, medium body. Sweet fruit taste. Honey, vanilla, cinnamon, spices notes. Slightly tannic (sherry notes) and oaky. Citrus taste and bitterness. Duality of flavours (Bourbon+sherry maturation)

Finish: Medium. Dry vanilla notes and spicy.

ABV: 43%

A pleasant Single malt whisky with an interesting nose, very aromatic. An easy to drink Scotch whisky, great for introducing people to single malts. I recommend without hesitation and it is available at a reasonnable price.

Slainte!

Monkey shoulder, a "triple malt scotch whisky"

Respect!! This is what we can say about this modern blended malt: Monkey Shoulder. Surprising blend of various single malts without any grain whisky. Having chance to own several distilleries, Grant blended Glenfiddich, Balvenie and Kininvie whiskies to create a easy to drink whisky. We could call it "Triple Malt Scotch Whisky". It has a competitive price and with a funny bottle with 3 monkeys which climb its shoulder.  Why Monkey shoulder?? It makes a reference to a sickness which was common in the past for the workers who mixed in the barley malting area. Find someone who doesn't like whisky and serve him a dram of it. There is few chances that he will do a grimace...
Tasting notes:
Color: bright gold
Nose: Vanilla, lemon zest, fruity
Palate: Banana, spices and citrus fruits
Finish: Short but agredable
ABV: 40%
We suggest you to match it with chocolate, chocolate truffles, Christmas log or sweet dessert in general. The perfect digestive for the end of Christmas holiday dinners.
Enjoy!

Slainte!!