maybe we need to get another bottle, because the bottle we have is not that good. Maybe got corked or something. Neither of us really cared for it. Interesting to see/hear your thoughts.
Glad to hear you guys like it! I picked this one up by accident,, I was reaching for a doublewood and didn't know until I got home! I'll open this one soon! Cheers
I have a Balvenie story... it relates to me drinking way too much of the 12yo Doublewood while having drinks in our garden with neighbours... getting up to take a leak in the bushes, and falling over hitting my head... good times.
Great review, gents! This sounds right up my alley for a tasty early summer Scotch. The additional aging in virgin oak sounds awesome. Cheers and stay safe!
Everyone has a whisky that makes you feel at home. To me, Balvenie as a whole takes me back to grandma’s house in the summer growing up before you had any worries or problems to think about. I’m on my third bottle of this.
Well. looks like i will have to look for this one. If this is a relatively new expression it could have the 25% Tariffs which can artificially inflate the price. I know in my area even the Doublewood is a bit expensive these days. I guess this is the new normal as 12 year old whiskies will be creeping up in price.
I think that the distilleries in Scotland are finding really good casks harder and harder to come by. The American whiskey scene, with craft distilleries making single malts, is making good ex bourbon barrels harder to get and the really good PX and oloroso sherry butts are getting scarce. The solution seems to be to use re-charred barrels (which works amazingly well in whiskies like the Kilkerran 8 cask strength), or to put out NAS experimental stuff that doesn't always cut it. Coopering is a dying art and it needs to come back for whisky's sake.
Great comment. I agree they're doing what they can to be unique and keep things interesting. I'm okay with what they're doing so far. Some really great bottles are coming out.... the K8 is just amazing. -Drew
I ended up buying a bottle while out of state (none to be had in ohio). The nose was wonderful, but the taste was terrible! Nothing but wood burn. I actually contacted The Balvenie directly... I think they're requesting a sample sent back for testing. The glenfiddich 14yr bourbon cask distilled across the street from the Balvenie is MUCH better. I'm wondering if i'm one of the many people who got a bad batch like on your balvenie taste test live stream
Balvenie fan here. Had everything from 12's to 21 Port Wood and in between. Absolutely no desire to try this since it came out last year. Not a fan of dry oak. Rather get the 12yr single barrel and pocket $5! Great review though, Cheers!!!
Gotta say id rather spend $80on dronach 12 or spend an extra $20 on balvenie 15 single barrel. $60 Is where this bottle belongs imo. Alot of choices to get that classic, hearty scotch under $80.
@@Scotch4Dummies Fair enough, especially when some NAS bottles cost around the same if not more. Whether something is worth the price is subjective anyway. On paper it looks overpriced for what it is.
Tasted like persimmon to me, on the nose too, almost like ketchup, but initially tasted like toasted marshmallow, then back to persimmon. Don’t think I’d buy it again.
Thanks for your thoughts. I actually really enjoy this bottle. I disagree with the fake sugar but that's just me. I think the wood is strong on the finish and does a great job at the lower ABV. -Drew
maybe we need to get another bottle, because the bottle we have is not that good. Maybe got corked or something. Neither of us really cared for it. Interesting to see/hear your thoughts.
Hmmmmmmmmm.... strange indeed!
Ralfy agrees with you. Only gave it a 79 which is the first time I have seen him go sub 80 on a review.
Great review! Just bought and tried tonight. Really enjoyed it with a Padron 1964 Exclusivo in Maduro.
Really enjoyed this review. You convinced me to grab a bottle and I’m eager to sip and review it myself. Happy new year!
Nice! I hope you enjoy it!!! ~Mark
Glad to hear you guys like it! I picked this one up by accident,, I was reaching for a doublewood and didn't know until I got home! I'll open this one soon! Cheers
I have a Balvenie story... it relates to me drinking way too much of the 12yo Doublewood while having drinks in our garden with neighbours... getting up to take a leak in the bushes, and falling over hitting my head... good times.
Sounds like a good time! lol -Drew
Great review, gents! This sounds right up my alley for a tasty early summer Scotch. The additional aging in virgin oak sounds awesome. Cheers and stay safe!
Go for it! keep on rocking mate! -Drew
Literally getting into the Balvenie distillery as we speak
I love my Balvenie American Oak. Highly recommend it as well.
Everyone has a whisky that makes you feel at home. To me, Balvenie as a whole takes me back to grandma’s house in the summer growing up before you had any worries or problems to think about. I’m on my third bottle of this.
You must have started drinking early! lol
This is a great bottle that just calls home to scotch for me. -Drew
What's the closest one to Caribbean Cask?
Well. looks like i will have to look for this one. If this is a relatively new expression it could have the 25% Tariffs which can artificially inflate the price. I know in my area even the Doublewood is a bit expensive these days. I guess this is the new normal as 12 year old whiskies will be creeping up in price.
Had this bottle for about a week! So damn good, it didn’t last! Cheers!
I finally saw this at $67 so might grab it, most reviews have been lukewarm. Now go get the Dark Barley @ $700+ and tell us what you think ;-)
I've seen it but never bit, after your review I may have to do so. And it can actually be found at mid to upper $60's. Sláinte! 🥃
- Patrick
Bought a bottle this weekend and really enjoyed it. Got it for $60 in the US. Great review and certainly agree with 3 of you. 😀
Good stuff! I hope I was one of the 3! -Drew
I think that the distilleries in Scotland are finding really good casks harder and harder to come by. The American whiskey scene, with craft distilleries making single malts, is making good ex bourbon barrels harder to get and the really good PX and oloroso sherry butts are getting scarce. The solution seems to be to use re-charred barrels (which works amazingly well in whiskies like the Kilkerran 8 cask strength), or to put out NAS experimental stuff that doesn't always cut it. Coopering is a dying art and it needs to come back for whisky's sake.
Great comment. I agree they're doing what they can to be unique and keep things interesting. I'm okay with what they're doing so far. Some really great bottles are coming out.... the K8 is just amazing. -Drew
WHOA. Really interesting to see your thoughts - I'm generally a Balvenie fan, but have avoided this one. I'm gonna have to track one down.
I think you'll like it, Michael. -Drew
I ended up buying a bottle while out of state (none to be had in ohio). The nose was wonderful, but the taste was terrible! Nothing but wood burn. I actually contacted The Balvenie directly... I think they're requesting a sample sent back for testing. The glenfiddich 14yr bourbon cask distilled across the street from the Balvenie is MUCH better. I'm wondering if i'm one of the many people who got a bad batch like on your balvenie taste test live stream
Mark the doing the Rock 5:20 lol
Didn't realize I had that skill! 🤨
Balvenie fan here. Had everything from 12's to 21 Port Wood and in between. Absolutely no desire to try this since it came out last year. Not a fan of dry oak. Rather get the 12yr single barrel and pocket $5! Great review though, Cheers!!!
Just picked one up can't wait to get off work...
Nice review! Ralfy thought it was terrible. Each to there own I suppose.....
Gotta say id rather spend $80on dronach 12 or spend an extra $20 on balvenie 15 single barrel. $60 Is where this bottle belongs imo. Alot of choices to get that classic, hearty scotch under $80.
There isn’t enough going on with the flavors to justify that price tag
Fair enough. Leaves more for me lol -Drew
You gents tried the Isabella’s islay bottle?
Nope. Never heard of it either tbh. -Drew
Scotch 4 Dummies no? Worlds most expensive whiskey?
They should have knocked it down for price imo. The 12 doublewood is already on the high end for a 12 and this adds another 20 bucks to it.
Price-wise I hear what you're saying. However, to me the taste is better than the DW. It gives more flavor and lasts longer. I love this bottle. -Drew
@@Scotch4Dummies Fair enough, especially when some NAS bottles cost around the same if not more. Whether something is worth the price is subjective anyway. On paper it looks overpriced for what it is.
Andrew its all part of the journey.
His wheelhouse journey? lol
Tasted like persimmon to me, on the nose too, almost like ketchup, but initially tasted like toasted marshmallow, then back to persimmon. Don’t think I’d buy it again.
Ralfy doesn't like it
Ralfy's review destroyed that bottle
I'm going to have to go ahead and disagree on this one. Just not a fan. For me, 1.5 to 2. But hey, we all have our individual tastes.
This stuff tastes like absolute piss. Very disappointing version of Belvenie. Aspartame / fake sugar hit, with no finish.
Thanks for your thoughts. I actually really enjoy this bottle. I disagree with the fake sugar but that's just me. I think the wood is strong on the finish and does a great job at the lower ABV. -Drew
Come on guys If you’re going to do scotch reviews, you have to pronounce the names correctly.
We have a long history of butchering them...lol! But, agreed your point is taken!
Pronunciations aside, I do enjoy your reviews and friendly banter. Keep up the good work.