Balvenie Craftsman’s Reserve #1 The Cooper

Balvenie 30 Year Old

Stayed at a hotel the other night, and lo, they had an adjoining whisky bar. Balvenie 30 was on the shelf for 50.00 a pour. As I will never be able to afford a bottle, I figured why not give this one a go. First, the good. The bartender provided a more than generous pour in a Glencairn. Nose was surprisingly tight. I let this set for a while and...

Score 88/100

Balvenie 21 Year Old Port Wood Finish

This is very, very good. Very complex it rewards, ahem, repeat visits and although it's outside the price range I love to drink in, I know i'll have another one of these before too long. Moreishness born of sheer quality. Nose: A bakery. Fig rolls and mince pies, raisins. Cut apples. The port puts me in mind of sherry, then almost brandy. In spite...

Score 90/100

Balvenie 12 Year Old DoubleWood

Neat Nose: oak & vanilla, honeysuckle, sweet pepper, really nice licorice. Taste: oak, pepper, spicy/salty caramel. Bit of a bite. Water Nose: water kind of kills the pleasant nose that it had neat. Taste: taste is somewhat improved with about 8-10 drops of water. Less pepper, more rounded mouth feel. Vegetal. Tiny hint of smoke.

Score 82/100

Balvenie 12 Year Old Signature

No issues with this one, nor was there anything extraordinary either. Faint toffee, sweet apples with a bitter spicy undertone. No smoke to speak of but a good nose is sold out buy a quick dry finish. Enjoy.

Score 80/100