Balvenie 12 Year Old Signature

Like the Founder’s, the Signature is a marriage of bourbon and sherry matured whisky. It is made in small batches and each batch is allowed time to harmonise in a traditional marrying tun. The Balvenie master distiller David Stewart crafted this to mark his 45th year in the whisky industry.

Nose: Coffee ice cream, sweet honey and cream with a light richness with a definite hint of citrus peel. Oak and tropical fruits sit in the background. Taste: The oak comes straight in but keeps its distance, allowing the creamy vanilla and the biscuity malt to have their say. Light citrus returns at the end.

The signature is the one up from house Balvenie, retailing in the £30-£35 range. It replaced the founders reserve. Pat thought the founders much better, but I (Tony) couldn't taste a whole world of difference. The main consumer issue is doublewood or signature? Not much in it really, they are both very drinkable. The doublewood is perhaps lighter and more tailored to the international market. The signature has slightly more depth. Both are clearly outclassed by the single barrel ....

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