1 | Scotland | Page 2

"Rich, amber color. Malty, caramel aromas have a sour cream pastry edge. A round, rich entry leads to an off-dry medium-to full-bodied palate with sweet toffee, brown spices, leather, and robust exotic peppercorns. Finishes with a long sherried fade of caramel, pepper, and salty roasted nuts."

A new addition to the permanent Balvenie range. Lovely bright gold color. Layers of sweetness (the characteristic Balvenie honey, along with vanilla fudge, nougat and rich toffee) peppered with dried spice and a hint of tropical fruit (papaya, guava, tangerine). Great viscosity with good grip on the finish. I really like the balance in this whisky—nice complexity too! A very solid effort and the price is right.

"The complex bouquet contains rich malt and fruity aromas with just a hint of peatiness. The palate is rewarded with a unique combination of attractive flavours – a balance of apples, pears and malt, with a gentle hint of nuttiness enhanced by the subtle use of sherry wood. The result is a wonderfully rich and elegant taste producing a long and satisfying finish."

A hit at WhiskyFest Chicago, finished in specially manufactered, traditional small casks.

"Clear. Polished aromas of fresh citrus, herbal juniper, flower petal and cucumber follow through on bright, silky entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with violet, lavender, and pink peppercorn notes resonating brightly. Finishes with a delicate sweet citrus custard pastry, spice, potpourri, and mineral fade all in fine balance. A delightfully fruity, floral nouveau gin for artisan cocktails."

"Bright golden amber color. Aromas of buttery caramel corn kernels, honeyed date bread, and Provence bath soap follow through on a supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with oil texture and floral honey and delicate spice fade. A pleasant sipper." Silver Medal.

"The aromatic profile is assertive yet welcoming, sweetish yet cereal dry, and oaky yet floral and a touch briny; the quintessential 12-year-old malt bouquet. In the mouth, the integrated flavors come in waves of toasted walnut, dark caramel, toasted marshmallow and barely perceptible seaweed." 96-100 pts.

"First whiffs pick up scents of fresh pineapple, cedar, and paraffin; later sniffings detect subtle notes of baked pear and sweet oak. Palate entry features a firm, moderately oily, and velvety texture; by midpalate, integrated flavors of ripe peach, pear drops and bran delight the taste buds. Finish is extended, semisweet and coconut-like. Replaces the 12-year-old French Oak Finish. Best Buy." 90-95 pts.

"Opening aroma is intensely grainy and cracker-like, with background notes of flowers and pine; aeration brings out the grain spirit in uncomplicated scents of pine, flax and beeswax. Entry is pleasantly sweet like caramel (but not too sweet); the midpalate adds sweet flavors of honey, pipe tobacco and tar. Ends nicely sweet and grainy." Best Buy. 85-89 pts.