Balvenie Tun 1509 Batch 2

Valletta, Malta. Leaving a business dinner, I explored the streets seeking a place recommended by Larry & Serge's imposing algorithm - Streats Bar. Descending stairs into a dim, cave-like establishment, Sasha, looking stern and reminiscent of the McMafia, presented the menu. To my great surprise, this rare whiskey appeared, along with many others; this venue puts many establishments in London and New York to shame! However, my dram was not overly impressive. Perhaps my profound cynicism on this humid evening affected my taste buds, because while the aroma is inviting and matches Jake's descriptions in his notes, the palate is disappointing. I taste sour fruit, overripe plums, a hint of sulfur? no, that can't be it, but there it is again. I then move on and enjoy the cherries. The finish is indeed long and smooth, with a dark chocolate aftertaste. The bar manager seemed pleased when I expressed my delight in discovering the place, but he refused to sell me his last bottle. Listening to Joy Division and The Sound, and perhaps it's this feeling of melancholy from being away from home that prevents me from awarding more than 3.5/5 stars for this legendary dram. It's petty, I know, but I can't separate the palate from my state of mind, just as one can't separate music from the era it was created for. Regardless, if you're in Malta, make sure to visit Streats, the finest whiskey bar in the Mediterranean! Cheers!

A new favorite. Absolutely stunning. I even compared it to the 21yr port wood courtesy of a kind friend. If I have the opportunity for another taste, I'll provide a more detailed assessment, but for now, I'm just enjoying this with good company. It embodies everything I appreciate about Balvenie...rich, intricate, no unnecessary frills. Simply high-caliber malt aged in premium casks, expertly combined by a master distiller. I'm eager to sample other batches and see how they compare.

Sampled at Dan's Bicton tasting event, specifically batch 3. The organizer used the $20 entry fees from attendees to open a bottle for everyone to try. This was the priciest bottle I've encountered, costing around $600. It was rich and full-bodied, delivering a powerful flavor impact with a spicy kick at the conclusion. Adding a small splash of water improved the recognition of the spices at the end, making them less intense. I enjoyed it and found it a nice experience, though it wasn't personally my favorite.

Nose: That familiar honey is present alongside raisin oatmeal. Vanilla also detected. Body: An exceptionally smooth spirit with the classic Balvenie characteristics of honey, raisin, and plum fruit. Finish: A delightful dram concludes with fresh grassiness, plum or grape skin, honeysuckle, and a subtle touch of mint. Note: Incredibly smooth. It provides warmth without any alcohol sting. I'm quite fond of this, but the 1401 might still be superior.

Sweet, sweet salvation... Apple and sherry (raisin) aromas on the nose, accompanied by hints of summer breeze and honey. The palate is rich and velvety, featuring baking spices, wood, and brown sugar in harmony. The finish offers sherry notes with a whisper of dark chocolate. I'm not claiming this bottle warrants a $750 CAD price tag, but I admit I'm eccentric enough to spend that much on it. Astonishing!

Unbelievable. The aroma is incredible: nutmeg, damp woodland, white pepper, sea salt. The palate echoes this with fresh sourdough, smoky honey, and shortbread. The finish surpasses any single malt I've experienced. Difficult to articulate, but I hope to remember it for years. From a tasting event on 12/17/16.