Balvenie 15 Years Single Barrel ‘Sherry Cask’

Although it has been available since mid-2014 in some markets, the Balvenie 15 Year Old Single Barrel Sherry Cask (quite a mouth full) is still fairly new in this part of Europe. The old 15yo Single Barrel has been replaced by a Balvenie 12 Year Old Single Barrel (bourbon cask) and this 15 Year Old Sherry Cask (from European oak Oloroso butts actually).

Fully sherry matured Balvenies have been rare so it’s nice to see they will be readily available.

 

 

Balvenie 15yo Single Barrel - Sherry CaskBalvenie 15 yo Single Barrel ‘Sherry Cask’ (47,8%, OB 2015, cask #12093, max. 650 btl.)

Nose: I like. Fruity, elegant sherry. Bags of blood oranges and apricots. Vibrant citrus and candied citrus peel. Vanilla cake. Cinnamon and raisins. A hint of nougat. Rummy notes as well. Highly aromatic whisky.

Mouth: again not an overdone, thick sherry character but a balanced, elegant profile. Some leathery touches but also toffee and candied fruits. Molasses and touches of honey. Peaches on syrup. Toasted oak, with subtle pepper and nutmeg.

Finish: medium long, still fruity. Almonds, cinnamon and orange (oil).

I have a sweet spot for this kind of ‘designer’ whiskies that succeed in bringing out the aromatics of the sherry without becoming cloying or bloated. Pretty great. Around € 85.

Score: 89/100