I’m a fan of Balvenie, and one of the whiskies I hadn’t gotten around to trying yet was their 12 Year DoubleWood. When I spotted it in a 50ml mini, I had to pick it up. Minis are one of the easiest and most affordable ways to sample a whisky without committing to a full bottle.
The Balvenie 12 Year DoubleWood was first released in 1993 and is matured in two different types of oak casks: American oak ex-bourbon barrels and European oak ex-Oloroso sherry casks. Let’s get into the review.
Nose: oak, vanilla, and orchard fruit
Palate: honey, vanilla, warming spices, and nuttiness
Finish: lightly sweet with toasted oak notes
ABV: 43% | Cost: $60 (we purchased a 50ml for $9.99)
Plain and simple, this is a good, easy-drinking whisky. It’s approachable, beginner-friendly, and enjoyable from the first sip. That said, don’t expect it to blow you away, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. It’s not a complex whisky, but it is a well-made and dependable dram.
The whisky is silky, with light sweetness, warming spice, vanilla, and subtle nutty notes throughout. Honestly, it’s just a tasty whisky that doesn’t need anything extra. It also comes at a price point that won’t break the bank, and that’s something I can always appreciate.
If you’re looking for an easy-drinking single malt that delivers quality without a hefty price tag, the Balvenie 12 Year DoubleWood is worth considering. Even better, if you find it in a mini bottle, so there’s no need to commit to a full bottle right away. I’m always a fan of trying before buying, and if you come across the mini, I recommend giving it a shot.
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.
