Balvenie 12 Year old / Signature

Rich and malty on the nose, with characteristically insinuating notes of spice, dried fruits, vanilla and honey. Becoming increasingly floral, with soft toffee and a hint of sweet Sherry as it warms in the glass.

Full-bodied on the palate, yet with classic Balvenie smoothness and grace. Vanilla, honey, Sherried cinnamon, nutmeg and a whiff of smoke merge beautifully. The finish is long with spicy oak. A great whisky. David Stewart has performed his magic once again!

Not unlike the 10yo Founder's Reserve (discontinued come 2009) in its restrained richness with orange oil, honey, a touch of smoke, and a slight sherry influence of dried fruits.

Mellow and fruity. Some kind of spiciness, too. Toasty, vanilla-ed and laundry fresh, with a medium short finish of oak and outdoorsy spice.

SUMMARY:

Compact and complex, although pinpointing particular flavours is a challenge as they are all bound up in each other. The kind of well-constructed whisky that reveals a new aroma, taste or impression every sip. The 18% sherry casks used in this whisky make their mark, but gently, like the Founder's Reserve. Available in small releases, who knows how each batch will vary?

[These notes are taken from http://www.drwhisky.blogspot.com/]

Nose: Rich and complex with honey, citrus fruits and vanilla oak notes.

Taste: Rich and honeyed with a hint of sherry fruitiness.  A spiciness of cinnamon and nutmeg and a subtle oakiness develop with time.  The finish is warm and lingering.