Another visit, another gift.  I am lucky.  Even though my first stop isn’t the Highlands or Speyside I have developed an appreciation for Balvenie.  There is a similar set of elements in most Balvenie scotches but a different mixture or variety in each.  The first scents are mild citrus and spice with a definite presence of wood.  Not smoke but fresh wood, like entering a wood shop of lumber yard.

The taste is complex and changes in time.  I love that element of many scotches.  The first flavor is mild vanilla and honey.  Holding it in your mouth it will begin to burn like very spicy food, like a ton of ginger.  However it burns the tongue but not the throat, it’s very smooth on the way down and leaves a nice hot aftertaste that dies away leaving a citrus, slightly sweet finish.

Comparing to other high end scotches I’ve had I would say I’d rather have another bottle of Black Arts, King Edward or Balvenie 21 year over this.  It’s good but there are better out there.  This is a pricey scotch at 350$ a bottle but worth it for the serious coinsure, especially when it’s a gift.

50.3% abv

Copyright 2016, David R Bergman