Recently I did a review of the Balvenie Caribbean Cask in which I mentioned this whisky, the Balvenie DoubleWood. This is a whisky that I have been familiar with for a long time. It is created using the same basic concept of the Caribbean Cask (two-cask maturation)- first the whisky is matured in an American oak cask, then it is transferred to a European Sherry cask where it finishes out its maturation process. This whisky is not difficult to find either by the bottle or by the glass.
Visually, the whisky is about average: a medium amber color with relatively thick legs. The nose is smooth, woody, and a bit subtle - I had to really focus on this one to pull the aromas out. Upon tasting the whisky I could detect vanilla off the bat as well as the influence of the sherry cask (but not to the same level as something like the Glenmorangie Lasanta), and the American oak to a slightly lesser degree. This was a sweeter whisky that had no bite to it. The mouth feel was a bit dry and the whisky opened up a bit more on the tongue. There was a slight numbing effect to the roof of my mouth. The aftertaste lingered for a respectable amount of time.
Rating 3.25 out of a possible 5 Casks
Reason: Something I came to realize when tasting this whisky is that the more whisky I sample the harder it is to come back to whiskies like the Balvenie DoubleWood. It is a great whisky, especially for someone who is beginning with Scotch, or for someone who doesn't take whisky as seriously and simply enjoys a good glass. However, if I am going to compare it to the other whisky I have had the pleasure of enjoying, I cannot in good conscience give this more than a 3.25. It is a good whisky, a smooth and sweet whisky, but nothing miraculous that would set it apart from the pack. You're still looking at around $50 for a bottle which pits it against many other options in the same price range; definitely worth a taste to at least acquaint yourself with. it.
See you soon,
Charles
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