The Balvenie The Sweet Toast of American Oak is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky aged 12 years in ex-bourbon barrels before finishing in virgin American oak casks from Kentucky. The virgin oak barrels are toasted twice, first in Kentucky and then again at The Balvenie Cooperage in Dufftown. It is bottled at 43% ABV and typically sells for around $70 to $85.
The palate: All wood, the delicacy of Balvenie all but washed away. In its place you’ll find cloves, pepper, roasted grains, and plenty of lumber influence. It’s a dull cudgel where Balvenie is normally so bright — drinkable, sure, but largely charmless.
