Balvenie 17 Year Old DoubleWood

I thought the Balvenie 12 Year Old Double Wood was okay, but far from excellent. Today I will try the same whisky, but at an older age. This Double Wood matured on bourbon and sherry casks – hence the name – and was bottled at the age of 17 years. This is, by the way, my 15th Balvenie so far.

The nose is sweet on rosewater, oranges juice and plums, followed by lime, apple skins and sultanas. Quite some vanilla. Finally some green grapes and toffee. Pleasant without being grand. The nose is somewhat shy, I would say.

It is light on the palate, but fruity. Loads of plums and oranges, even quite zesty, but also a lot of wood influence. Ginger and pepper. Apricots and nuts reveal themselves midpalate, but then it suddenly also turns a touch bitter.

The finish is medium long on coconut and plums, but the wood is simply too loud and that is a pity.

It is better than the 12 Year old, especially on the nose, but not so much on the palate and finish. The wood was a bit too active if you ask me.

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