Balvenie Peated Triple Cask 14 Year

Opinions on taste vary. For my part, I dislike peanuts, almonds, nuts, and Balvenie. I frequently find it too diluted, unharmonious, bland, and uninspiring. I did have one positive experience, an exception, which was a 14-year-old peat week. Following that deviation from the norm, I resolved to give it another try. A friend exchanged a sample of this 14-year-old triple cask matured peated Balvenie with me. Since I had a peated one and it was pleasant, I had confidence in this dram. Bottled at 48.3% ABV, burnished gold color. The aroma started out promising. The initial scent was a bit unusual, water with salt. However, after that first saline hint, the fruitiness erupted. Apple, grapefruit, gooseberries. Incredibly fruity; tangerine. There is a slight peat presence with some lavender. Melon. After a initial taste, it presented a nice pineapple combined with orange. It then transformed into a watery fruit essence (not juice) with salt. The scent was inviting... little did I realize how salty this was going to be. On the palate, it was disappointing. It begins well, very woody (as expected from triple cask), peppery, and then... EXTREMELY OVERLY SALTY. A second taste offered a very citrusy orange, then a powerful saltiness intruded. It's unpleasant. You will never taste anything saltier than this. The aftertaste improves slightly, but it's brief and also excessively salty. Hints of peat smoke. A decent conclusion. Excessively salty, though not terrible. Overall, it improves with more sips (perhaps my palate became desensitized by the saltiness). It remains a poor whisky. My scoring system occasionally aids these kinds of unbalanced drams where one metric can score over 20 points. For me, this dram gets a peculiar 63 out of 100, and it feels like less. Not good.

The aroma is smoky and peaty, with a burnt wood character rather than the iodine and tar typical of Islay whiskies. These qualities are noticeable but not intense on the nose, which is misleading as smoke and peat are much more prominent on the palate. The intensity of the smoke and peat on the palate is surprising, much stronger than the nose suggests. Then, a honeyed sweetness arrives, beautifully balancing the smoky peat. The mouthfeel is quite creamy, not exactly thick but very enjoyable. A pleasant peppery spice follows from the end of the palate to the sweet, peaty finish. For my preference, this Speyside perfectly balances sweet and moderately intense peat. It's a shame it's only available in travel retail, especially given current travel limitations. I'm savoring my last bit and hope to buy another bottle when international travel becomes feasible again.

This takes some getting used to. Just when you expect a mild honey heather Speysider, it shifts gears completely. I had the chance to try this variation on Balvenie thanks to a friend. Tasting it blind, I would have mistaken it for a Yoichi 10. The peat is different from Islay or Islander styles, lacking their briny or medicinal depth. It most resembles Yoichi. Unlike a standard Balvenie, which has broad appeal, I doubt this will suit everyone. Islay enthusiasts expecting medicinal or tarry peat will be let down. Those who enjoy salty peat from Islanders will also be disappointed. However, if you appreciate the Yoichi style, you will likely enjoy this distinctive take. The peat is earthier, murkier, and more mushroom-like. Give it a try; even if you don't like it, you'll have experienced a unique Balvenie with some character. Personally, I'm considering buying a bottle.

I was hoping for a more robust version of this brand when it was announced, and it meets expectations. While I appreciate a smooth, honeyed expression, it's not the most complex Scotch. Adding a touch of peat introduces a slightly daring variation, a Speyside take on a moody character. Honey and spice are present on the aroma and the palate. The peat is not overpowering, more like a hint of spice in a fresh, creamy, smooth mouthfeel. The finish is long and peppery, with notes of orange and caramel. A genuine pleasure compared to the vast amounts of poor quality spirits found elsewhere. (You all understand this reference, correct?)

This is a unique scotch. While I enjoy the alcohol content, the Balvenie peat, and the cask influence, it's not my favorite from this Speyside producer. It lacks the characteristic thick, savory mouthfeel of Balvenie, feeling somewhat thin. The finish is also a bit brief, though some sherry appears at the end. It's a good offering, but likely not one I'd buy again at this price.

Acquired this for $143, it's non-chill filtered, over 46% alcohol, has a 14-year age statement, and the packaging offers a wealth of details for beginners to experts. It's excellent neat and with a little water (the body diminishes). Vanilla, caramel, smoke that differs from other Islay whiskies. This Highland whisky is a top performer in the travel retail market due to its cost and quality. Well done by Balvenie. #balvenie.