A wee dram of The Balvenie Range

[singlemalts]

I was able to attend a tasting last night at Downing Street Pub here in Houston. We had a chance to taste four different bottles; DoubleWood 12 year, Single Barrel 15 year, Madeira Cask 17 year, and the PortWood 21year.
The gentleman hosting the tasting was pouring what I would call a double pour, maybe 3 oz or so and more if you asked. Not bad for a free tasting. I felt the need to leave 20 bucks as a tip for the wait staff. They were great about bringing new glasses for each pour, picking up the used glasses and making sure we had water. If you ever find yourself in Houston, Downing Street is a great Whisk(e)y and Cigar Bar.

DoubleWood 12 year 43% (1st cask: American Oak; 2nd cask: Sherry cask)
Very smooth with a light sweetness and a little spice. Long finish with a great warming feeling. Honestly I think this is better than The Macallan 12 year sherry cask.

Single Barrel 15 year 47.3%
Still smooth but a little more complex flavors. Less sweetness and you can tell it has a higher alcohol percent. Finishing was a little short for me and a little harsh. Don't get me wrong, it was a good whisky.

Madeira Cask 17 year 43% (1st cask: American Oak, 2nd cask: Madeira barrels)
Complex aromas on the nose. Starts off sweet and becomes very rich and hints of spice. Finish was very long however every second was enjoyable.


PortWood 21 year 43%
Full body and smooth. Starts off with light hints of sweetness and touch of spice but the drier undertones quickly take over. Very dry finish.


My final rankings
1st Place DoubleWood 12yr-----Replacing my Macallan 12yr
2nd Place Madeira Cask 17yr---Adding to my collection
3rd Place PortWood 21yr-----Due to the cost won’t be buying. I just feel there are better single malts in that price range
4th Place Single Barrel 15yr---Adding to my collection


What do you guys think of The Balvenie Range?

 

[DE Shaver]

I'm a big fan of the Balvenie 12 year Doublewood and of the Balvenie range in general and I wish I could have been there to sample those drams with you. For the money, the Balvenie Doublewood is a great whiskey and I roughly concur with your opinions, although I personally would rank the Portwood high, despite its cost.

 

[spoonman]

I only have the Balvenie Double Wood so can't comment on the Balvenie range, however the Doublewood is one of my favourite whiskies. It's interesting that you compare it to the Macallan 12, which is another whisky in my collection, as I often drink these two side by side to compare them. I think I personally prefer the Macallan slightly, but they are both excellent for the price. In fact they are excellent regardless of price!

That tasting session sounds fantastic, unfortunately we don't have anything like that in Australia (that I've been able to find), apart from a fancy whisky 'society' that take themselves way too seriously.

 

[letterk]

The Doublewood has long been on my list of bottles to acquire, but other bottles end up in my basket. Not sure why. I also am positive I will like it just because of the name. Again, not sure why.

 

[singlemalts]

If you like the macallan you should like the doublewood.

 

[MrFusion]

I have only tried the Doublewood and the Single Barrel. Both are nice drams. The Doublewood is always in my scotch bar.