This malt has a lot going for it. A beautiful bottle, a wonderful nose, and one of the best price-value ratios (~$35) of any single malt on the market today. Plus the ineffable satisfaction of sipping a dram of one of the very small handful of whiskies whose name is the definite article ("The" Balvenie).
I first sampled The Balvenie months ago and have been going back to it regularly ever since. It is from Speyside, and is matured in two woods. During maturation, it goes from a traditional oak whisky cask to a first-fill Spanish oak sherry cask.
This two-stage process is evident in the Doublewood's character. The oak cask previously held bourbon (according to their website), which softens and adds character. The sherry cask, on the other hand, lends depth and complexity to the malt's flavor. While I can't say that my palate is discriminating enough to parse out one from the other, the combination is what pulls it all together in the end.
The nose is big and somewhat sweet, with hints of vanilla (the oak cask at work?). On the palate, it is smooth and mellow, fruity and sweet with a touch of spice, in line with what the nose prepared you for. It can work with a bit of water to bring out the bouquet faster, and I tried it with and without to good results. Good long finish as well.
Overall grade: A- (and a smashing A+ for value!)
