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Balvenie French Oak 16-Year

Posted by whiskeywench on

I recently had the pleasure of sampling The Balvenie French Oak 16-Year, and it was truly a remarkable experience. This expression spends 16 years maturing in American Oak before finishing in French oak casks that once held wine from the Charentes vineyards. The result is a whisky that beautifully marries tradition with a touch of French elegance. Let’s dive into what makes this whisky so special.

Nose: citrus, honey and vanilla

Palate: lightly sweet, fruity, ginger and vanilla

Finish: lightly sweet and a whisper of peat

ABV: 47.6

Cost: $175-$185

You might be wondering why this dram was such an experience. One of the most intriguing finishing notes I detected was a subtle whisper of peat. Surprising, right? There’s absolutely no peat in this whisky. Here’s the story shared with us: Balvenie used to produce a special release called Peat Week, which I believe they’ve since discontinued due to the extensive time required to clean their equipment afterward. This French Oak 16-Year was crafted immediately following the final Peat Week batch. While the distillery thoroughly cleaned their equipment, I still found the faintest trace of peat lingering in the finish—a fleeting nuance that added unexpected depth. The journey begins with vibrant fruit,ginger, and vanilla, then closes with that elusive wisp of peat, so delicate it makes you question what you just tasted. That subtle surprise is what made this dram unforgettable.

I truly enjoyed this dram—it was an absolute delight. We didn’t purchase a bottle, as the price is on the higher side, but if you ever get the chance to sample it without the hefty price tag, I highly recommend it. And if you do, let me know whether you catch that subtle hint of peat—I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Cheers!

Note: The contents on my blog are solely my opinion. To me every palate is different! Although I may or may not like a product, I always recommend people to try it and make up their own minds.

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