Whiskey Wednesday

Today's Whisky Wednesday is dedicated to a very special long time friend and a new Patreon, who both suggested I try this whisk(e)y.  I appreciate their recommendation so much!  Balvenie Doublewood 12 year old Scotch Whisky is today's pick. The Balvenie distillery is owned by William Grand & Sons who also own Glenfiddich, Tullamore D.E.W. in Ireland. and many others. Balvenie Distillery has the longest serving Malt Master in the industry, David Stewart.  He started working at the distillery at age 17, fifty-six years ago! Can you imagine that?! 

Launched in 1993, it uses a process now commonly called "wood finishing". They take the whisky that has spent at least 12 years in traditional whisky casks, American Oak ex-bourbon barrels and hogsheads, and moves it to Spanish oak ex-Oloroso sherry casks for an additional nine months. The whisky is then transferred to large oak vessels called “tuns” for 3-4 months to allow the whiskies from individual casks to “marry”.

I'll be honest with all of you....I have a hard time with Scotch. I think it's the peat. But, it was easier for me to drink than others Scotches I've tried. I have been spoiled with the Irish whiskies, that tend to be smoother and sweeter. My palette has a long way to go, but I am always up for trying something new. I love that there are so many whisk(e)ys to try. Variety is the spice of life after all 🥃 Still shooting tonight, so more photos to come. Cheers!

Notes from Master of Malt:

Nose: Gristy, supple nuttiness intertwined with spices. Honeyed sultanas and grapes. Hugely inviting.

Palate: Sweet with good body. The bourbon characters develop; gentle spice with a little vanilla, a hint of balancing peat lurking quietly in the substrata. Dried fruit too, combining with nuts, nutmeg, cinnamon, back into the bourbon notes - so well integrated.

Finish: Spicy, slightly drying, still sweet.

Overall: A classic, always a pleasure to revisit. This is also a single malt with the ability to convert a non-whisky drinker with its deliciousness.

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Sweater & skirt: Ann Taylor

Pantyhose: Wolford ~Mocca

Heels: Stuart Weitzman