Balvenie Single Barrel 25 Year

My last 10 samples remain. I located these while searching for items for our upcoming holiday and found them hidden. Seeing an opportunity, I decided to open a couple since I have no work tomorrow. This and the Ardmore 30 year old were of a similar style and strength, so I thought a direct comparison was appropriate. I used to think highly of Balvenie, but recent ones haven't been that impressive. This one strongly displays characteristics of white pepper and green wood. It's a delightful dram, quite viscous and packed with flavor. However, the 4.6 average rating here perplexes me. It's more in the 4 to 4.25 range. If not for the bitter, green wood finish, it would be higher by.25 to.5.

The higher 48% ABV results in a strong alcohol presence. I'm not particularly fond of high ABV, so it felt intense. A few drops of water significantly softened the alcohol's intensity, allowing the flavors to emerge more clearly. It has pleasant notes of honey and herbs, with oakiness, leading to a long, sweet finish.

Smooth and mellow aroma, spicy on the palate, the smoothest whiskey I've encountered to date.

Smells of honey, lemon, vanilla. Tastes of oak, pepper, cinnamon