Name: The Balvenie America Oak
Color: Light brown
Nose: Malt, honey, flowers, vanilla, citrus notes
Taste: Malt, vanilla, woof, light spices, lemon
The Balvenie Distillery was found in 1892 in Dufftown which is in the Speyside region of Scotland. It has been making whisky for 127 years and it is some of the best whisky you can find on the shelves in America for the variety of flavor profiles and a buyer’s budget.
The American Oak on my first taste was as expected, very good and well balanced, but it tasted very familiar. From my research this expression is The Balvenie 12, but it is finished in new (virgin) American Oak Barrels from Kentucky and are charred fresh. The 43% abv makes it an easy drinker and it immediately reminded me of the 12-year-old expression but the lighter version.
Overall, this is a very nice expression and easy to drink at proof level, but I find the other Balvenie expressions, including the 12-year-old are richer and more complex. The appeal of this expression would be the price.
Other expressions:
- Core Expressions: 12, 17, Signature 12, Cuba Selection 14, Caribbean Cask 14, Single Barrel 12 & 15, Peat Week, Portwood 21, Single Barrel 34, 30, 40, 50, & 50-year-old Single Cask.
- Triple Cask Expressions:12, 16, & 25.
- Limited Edition (age varies): Golden Cask, Islay Cask, New Wood, New Oak, Sherry Oak, Rum Cask, Madeira Cask, Peated Cask, Craftsman Reserve No.1, Portwood (1989, 1991, 1993), & Tun (1401, 1858,1509).
Priced around $50+ and is a nice summer scotch and the most affordable (aka the cheapest) of the expressions.
If you like it, drink it! – Christopher
If you like it, drink it!
