There are a good number of iconic distilleries in Scotland, some are instantly recognised by just about everyone and some are still hidden gems known to those who are truly in the whisk geek class but today’s dram is one of those distilleries that just used to be fairly unknown but these days the name is on most people’s lips.. Balvenie.. yes that’s right Glenfiddich’s little sister although many will argue this distillery gives us much better whisky but that’s an argument for another day..

The Balvenie Doublewood is arguably Balvenie’s biggest selling expression and is the single expressionthat put the distillery on most people’s whisky list.. Matured in refill American oak bourbon barrels before having a ” finishing ” period in first fill European sherry casks. Bottled at 40% this is the entry level malt for the distillery.

Nose.. Starts off fairly tame but eventually those sherried notes come to life, dates, raisins and dark chocolate aromas muscle out soft vanilla, honey, candied orange , cinder toffee and gentle spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

Palate.. A little more like it.. Soft spices coat the mouth with those dried fruits and sweet notes of vanilla and toffee hugging your senses, honey wraps around pears and gentle hints of apple..

Finish.. spiced oak with sweet moments.

Thoughts.. I can’t believe I have not already reviewed this one.. ok it is not one of those big sherried expressions or succulent bourbon casks Balvenie can release but it is a fantastic core range expression.. Too often overlooked this whisky gives you what you want, a great malt for those moments you just want to sit down, kick off the aches of the day and just enjoy a dram..