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Sunday 2 December 2012

18 Under 30 Part Two: The Balvenie 12 Year Old Doublewood Single Malt Scotch Whisky




As the previous post from yesterday laid out, in the run up to Christmas we are giving you eighteen suggestions of bottles which cost under £30. The first recommendation was a beer; something a little unusual for us, but don’t be surprised to see other non-whisk(e)y products crop up. Why? Because this is Christmas, the Season of Goodwill to all men (and all booze). 

Over the month of December, it is good to have a variety of drinks to call on and you may, without giving anything away, see some pretty usual items for a whisky website pop up.

However, not this time! No sirreee... this time we’re firmly back in the realm of whisky and back at the heart of Scotch: Speyside.

Often at this time of year, you’ll find various deals on bottles of booze and this little beauty is one which often finds itself with a tantalisingly low price tag. The Balvenie 12 Year Old Doublewood is a cracking stalwart of a whisky and one which, if you’re giving a bottle as a gift or simply looking for a bottle to serve to those seasonal visitors, is a total winner.


Number 2 in our 18 Under 30: The Balvenie - 12 Year Old Doublewood - 40% ABV

Nose: An entertaining mix of light vanilla, lemon & orange zest and sweet caramels, mixed with some delicate sherry notes, dark honey and woody spices. Runny honey is the key with this easy drinker.

Palate: The vanilla, honey and orange zest all hit the palate first, back-dropped by moist raisins, some fig and a big spoonful of  sherry which mellowed out to create a smooth and sweet taste. Very open and balanced.

Finish: Drying cask notes, with a long fruity/nutty note. Warming and most definitely festive!

Overall: This is a proper classic of a dram. Consistent and well constructed; if you ever want to seduce someone who claims not to love whisky, this could be the fatal bullet in your gun.

Under £30 here and here