371 | Spirits | Scotch | Page 2

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."

"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.

"Stately aroma reminds me of butter- cream candies; further air contact reveals deeper scents of melon, white raisins, dried yellow plums and fudge. Entry is honey-sweet, ripe and fruity (dried yellow fruits, banana, pineapple, pear); midpalate is long, satiny, honeyed, eggy, fruity and balanced. Concludes on notes of Sherry, apricot, white raisins and light toffee." 90-95 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.

"Pale golden yellow color. Honeyed toast, spice, and caramelized nut aromas follow through of a soft entry to a dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body with a tongue warming white pepper and wet stone fade."

"The nosing finds dry grainy notes with background scents of dried flowers and parchment, and deeper fragrances of light toffee, almond paste and yellow fruit. Entry is oily, buttery and semisweet; the whisky dazzles at midpalate with layered flavors of brown butter, cooking oil, barley malt and oatmeal cookie underpinned by the single malt foundation. Concludes smoky, satiny and ultra-sophisticated." 90-95 pts.