The pinnacle of The Balvenie range, this extremely rare release is a testament to the mysteries of maturation and Malt Master David Stewart’s lifetime of dedication to his craft.
create Batch One of only 150 bottles of The Balvenie Forty, Malt Master David Stewart has skilfully married together small amounts of The Balvenie matured in 4 refill hogsheads and 3 sherry butts that have lain in our warehouses for at least forty years. TASTING NOTES NOSE Rich oak notes overlaid with baked apple, stewed fruits and soft leather. The addition of a little water releases sweet fruit notes and hints of vanilla. TASTE Silky texture delivers a beautifully mouth-coating sweetness and a spicy sensation of cloves, cinnamon and ginger. The flavour develops into a gentle oakiness with hints of dark chocolate, roasted almonds and sherried fruitiness. FINISH Rich, warming and slightly dry.
We have been overwhelmed by the positive reception and recognition that Batches 1 and 2 of Tun 1509 have received from the industry. We hope this limited release of Batch 3 will be received in a similar fashion as it possesses those familiar Balvenie characteristics that made previous batches so popular. Utilising my knowledge of our whisky stocks and the process of marrying the different casks together, we have created a whisky of rich complexity with elegant oaky notes and dried fruits balanced by mellow cinnamon spices and ginger. It also has lovely layers of vanilla oak, rich woody spices, dark fruits and a definite sherry character interspersed with elegant honey.
Like its 15 year old counterpart, The Balvenie Single Barrel 25 year old was the product of individually bottled traditional whisky oak casks ~ these ones having spent a further decade in our warehouses. Each cask formed a limited edition of no more than 250 hand-numbered bottles. The aroma of Single Barrel has the complexity of an aged whisky with a symphony of sweet, honeyed, oak notes, overlaid with a fragrant, fruity bouquet. On the palate the initial dryness immediately changes to a honeyed burst of flavour that has butterscotch and toffee notes, rounded off with vanilla oakiness.
Warm and oaky. Sherry and bourbon influence seem more balanced here. It has a funny and nice mouth-feel, it sort of dances on my tongue. After a couple of sips I also pick up oranges and some oaky spiciness.