Balvenie
12 Years Old - American Oak
- 43
- 70cl
- Taste: 2
- Speyside
William Grant established The Balvenie Distillery in 1892 in Dufftown. After successfully running the Glenfiddich Distillery, he purchased Balvenie New House, a large estate near Glenfiddich, to expand his operations. Production officially began in 1893, initially using second-hand stills from Lagavulin and Glen Albyn distilleries. Originally supplying malt whisky for blended Scotch whiskies, particularly William Grant & Sons', Balvenie released its first single malt in 1971. Known for its commitment to...
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William Grant established The Balvenie Distillery in 1892 in Dufftown. After successfully running the Glenfiddich Distillery, he purchased Balvenie New House, a large estate near Glenfiddich, to expand his operations. Production officially began in 1893, initially using second-hand stills from Lagavulin and Glen Albyn distilleries.
Originally supplying malt whisky for blended Scotch whiskies, particularly William Grant & Sons', Balvenie released its first single malt in 1971. Known for its commitment to traditional craftsmanship, the distillery is one of the few remaining that still grows its own barley, malts its grain on a traditional malting floor, and maintains its own cooperage and coppersmith.
Today, William Grant & Sons operates the distillery and it continues to be a family-run business. The distillery produces a wide range of single malts, known for their rich, honeyed character.
Malt Master Kelsey McKechnie put together this bottling. Released in 2019, Kelsey was only 25 years old at the time. Driven to craft an even fruitier, sweeter Balvenie whisky, she used Virgin White American Oak casks from the family-run Kelvin Cooperage in Louisville, Kentucky, which had been toasted over open fires. Upon reaching Scotland, the Balvenie Coopers toasted the casks again to enhance the flavours before the spirit aged in them for twelve years.
The only wood burned on the fire is white oak. An intoxicating nutty and marzipan smell of all the vanillins within the American Oak, like freshly baked bread. The classic Balvenie flavour, enhanced by even stronger, sweeter coconut and warm honey notes. A fruity flavour and rich colour.
Originally supplying malt whisky for blended Scotch whiskies, particularly William Grant & Sons', Balvenie released its first single malt in 1971. Known for its commitment to traditional craftsmanship, the distillery is one of the few remaining that still grows its own barley, malts its grain on a traditional malting floor, and maintains its own cooperage and coppersmith.
Today, William Grant & Sons operates the distillery and it continues to be a family-run business. The distillery produces a wide range of single malts, known for their rich, honeyed character.
Malt Master Kelsey McKechnie put together this bottling. Released in 2019, Kelsey was only 25 years old at the time. Driven to craft an even fruitier, sweeter Balvenie whisky, she used Virgin White American Oak casks from the family-run Kelvin Cooperage in Louisville, Kentucky, which had been toasted over open fires. Upon reaching Scotland, the Balvenie Coopers toasted the casks again to enhance the flavours before the spirit aged in them for twelve years.
The only wood burned on the fire is white oak. An intoxicating nutty and marzipan smell of all the vanillins within the American Oak, like freshly baked bread. The classic Balvenie flavour, enhanced by even stronger, sweeter coconut and warm honey notes. A fruity flavour and rich colour.
Tasting Rating Guide
1: Light, good for beginners - an aperitif on a summers day, i.e. Glengoyne, Auchentoshan
2: Also good for beginners but with more depth and body - a little stronger than 1, ie. Glenmorangie, Speyburn
3: A dram for everyone, a little more complex so the palate requires a little more experience, i.e. Cragganmore, Macallan
4: A stronger spirit, a big whisky with lots of character and body, excellent after dinner, i.e. Lagavulin, Laphroaig