Balvenie DoubleWood 17 Year

This is essentially the true older sibling of the main 12-year offering. Or at least it was. They stopped making this—and the 15 sherry SB, opting for a 16-year to bridge the gap. The discontinuation of this particular bottling prompted the purchase. Let's see if it was worth investigating before it vanished. Nose: Gala apple, pear, apricot, and orange citrus. Malt, vanilla, caramel, toffee, butterscotch, and honey. A rather typical Speyside profile. Hints of peanut brittle, toasted almond, and walnut. Sugar cookie. Milk chocolate and marshmallow. Praline pecan. Rich, refined oak. No spice, more akin to mahogany wood. Palate: More gala apple, pear, apricot, and orange citrus. Golden raisin. Malt, toffee, vanilla, caramel, milk chocolate, honey, and butterscotch. Brown sugar. A slight floral note, then powerful oak arrives. Again, mahogany, but this time with a touch of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. Finish: Gala apple, pear, apricot, golden raisin, and orange citrus. Honey, vanilla, toffee, malt, milk chocolate, butterscotch. Ample oak, with some cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. Moderate duration. This is one of the "cleanest" spirits I have ever encountered. While not the most thrilling, it is an absolutely beautiful example of Speyside Scotch. One could say this expression "plays by the rules." Perhaps it could have scored higher if it did just a little more to distinguish itself. But it is a phenomenal offering regardless. It's a shame it's gone, but I'm very happy I acquired it before it was all gone. 4.25/5.

Balvenie ceased production (or releases) of this whisky a few years ago, and upon hearing the news, I acquired a couple of the remaining bottles available locally. Due to its rarity, I don't consume it very often. My previous tasting note was from August 27, 2002. The "DoubleWood" name signifies that this whisky matures in both traditional whisky and sherry oak casks. It has a clear, dark burnt orange color. The aroma is very pleasant, featuring apple, golden raisins, dates, vanilla extract, and pomander, followed by a welcoming, mild spiciness (43% ABV), a lasting sweetness, good depth with a hint of char on the finish. What I previously described in my August 2022 review as a "uniform flavor profile" now strikes me as understated, belying the dark brown canister with "DoubleWood" in gold capital letters. While it is an easy-drinking whisky, taking your time reveals more complexity. More enjoyable than my last tasting; 4.0 out of 5 stars. As always, consumed neat in a Glencairn glass.

Clear burnt orange color (no artificial coloring). Sherry-influenced aroma (17 years in oak followed by 6-12 months in second-fill sherry casks): caramelized sugar, vanilla extract, golden raisins, and sorghum syrup. Sweetness persists on the palate, revealing dark chocolate and amaretto before transitioning to a white pepper finish, and a lingering mild, spicy warmth that is unexpected for the 43% ABV. When I discovered over a year ago that this spirit was being discontinued, I purchased the last two I could find, as I had always appreciated it. However, closer examination shows less complexity and a somewhat uniform flavor profile, characterized by different shades of "sweet." It's very enjoyable, but less complex than other sherry-influenced spirits. Note: All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

The aroma immediately brings tropical fruits to mind. I detect banana, pineapple, strawberry, and vanilla. It evokes those childhood tropical capri sun juice pouches. The lingering aromas are like a strawberry starburst. The scent is the whiskey's strongest point for me. The palate is soft, sweet, with a plastic note and a touch of spice. The conclusion is medium-long with dry and bitter oak, spice, and a synthetic plastic taste. I'd give this a 4.1 or 82. The primary drawback I'd note for this whiskey is that the palate is simply too thin. If only this were bottled at 46-48%, the palate would truly come alive.

The aroma of this whiskey is delicate and refined. You detect hints of wood and sweet honey, along with something akin to marshmallow. On the palate, numerous layers emerge, but they unfold gradually rather than rushed. There are nutty notes like almond or pecan, and gentle vanilla. Then, some dried fruit and apple appear, with a subtle spice towards the end. Altogether, this is arguably one of the richest Balvenies I've tasted, and that's from a distillery renowned for its depth and richness. An excellent whiskey.

And now, a moment of quiet to remember my second-to-last bottle of Balvenie Doublewood 17 Year; only one is left in my possession, and it is no longer made. Similar to previous notes, though the sequence of flavors is slightly altered. It begins with sorghum syrup, followed by orange oil, chocolate oranges, vanilla, and golden raisins—reminiscent of liquid Claxton fruit cake. It has a smooth, syrupy texture. A hint of white pepper precedes the long, sweet finish reminiscent of caramelized sugar. Would I buy it again? Yes, if it were still available. 4.25 out of 5 stars.