Balvenie 17 yo (1993/2010), Peated Cask, 43 %

Review #326

This whisky is not peated because of peated spirit. No, it is normal unpeated Balvenie spirit, but after normal maturation, it has been finished in casks which prior to this, has held peated whisky. Well, the peat is there in the smell, but it is very subtle. Some grass, hay, pepper and oak joins in.

Very spicy in the taste. Vanilla, honey and nuts as well. Almonds and hazelnuts. Not much peat here though. Medium long finish with oaky and malty notes to accompany the spiciness. The peat is a bit more prominent here. But only a bit.

A fine dram, but not very peated. It is very subtle all the way through, but I think that was the intention. I am very glad that it isn’t 40 % like many other Balvenies, as this 43 % is on the verge to being a bit too watery. I will have to try some more Balvenie at higher strength as I think they really have potential! I will give this 83/100 (21/21/21/20).