"The initial aroma is sweetish, winey and oaky; aeration allows the aroma to expand to include marzipan, treacle, molasses, honey, vanilla bean, cinnamon and cocoa butter. The palate entry is sweet, creamy and assertive; at midpalate the flavor becomes intensely nutty, buttery and bacon fat-like, with the beginnings of rancio. Remains one of Speyside’s standard-bearer 12 year olds." 90-95 pts.

"Nose: Intense and spirity to begin. Delicious sweet sherry burst follows, plateaus with undertones of apple, cinnamon, vanilla, maple syrup with just a hint of smoky heather throughout. Taste: Sweet and sugary start with an oaky edge. Develops in the mouth with a bite of citrus and dark chocolate. Long lingering dry aftertaste with warming alcohol finish which keeps the mouth alive for several seconds afterwards."

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.