The Balvenie 16 Year Old French Oak
Pronunciation: {De Balvny}
The Balvenie 16 Year Old French Oak is an elegant single malt whisky from Scotland’s Speyside region, combining traditional craftsmanship with an innovative approach to maturation.
This whisky first matured for 16 years in American oak casks, imparting classic notes of honey and vanilla. It was then finished in casks that previously held Pineau des Charentes, a fortified wine from the Charentes region of France, made by blending fresh grape juice with young cognac followed by maturation. This innovative approach introduces new layers of flavour and aroma to the whisky.
On the nose, delicate floral notes of lotus and geranium are complemented by hints of fresh meadow grass and green apple peel. The palate reveals an invigorating combination of lemon zest and grapefruit, accompanied by sweet glazed fruit and warming ginger root spice. The finish is refreshing and medium in length, with lingering notes of citrus and honeydew melon.
The Balvenie is renowned for its commitment to traditional whisky-making methods as well as its continual drive for innovation. The use of Pineau des Charentes casks marks the first such experiment in the distillery’s 130-year history. This release is part of the Cask Finishes series, which The Balvenie has been developing since 1983 under the guidance of malt master David C. Stewart MBE.
Bottled at 47.6% ABV in a 0.7 l format. Supplied in a gift tube.
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