Jeff – 74

Has a nice cinnamon spiciness to it with a sherry finish. This dram has a nice finish but not very balanced.

Glen – 83

This classic Balvenie has a wonderful nose full of oranges and honey. The sherry doesn't overpower the dram and adds just the right amount of character. My only complaint was the finish came off a tad bitter; but it did have a nice, warming character.

Nose: Classic, oranges, honey, subtle malt, clean, spicy
Body: Heavy
Finish: Medium and big at first, some bite without water, sherry, warming, a tad bitter


The classic Balvenie.

Brett – 84

A scintillating nose! It is fresh, eye-opening, and invigorating; grassy and lemony, with big malt and hints of allspice. Good Morning! Unfortunately, this dram quickly says goodnight. It is, unsurprisingly, medium-light on the palate, but unfortunately a little too short in the finish. Maybe not unfortunately. Unless you like peppery heat mixed with marsh grass and bitter orange zest.

(Since the 15 YO expression is from a single barrel, and each barrel produces only 300+ bottles of whisky, it goes without saying that almost each bottle you buy will probably be a little different. In fact, some of the best Balvenie's that I've had have been from the 15 YO expression. This particular bottle was not one of them. Do not let that sway you – my past experience convinces me that this bottle was an anomaly. I hope.)

Glen – 80

At first the nose seemed younger then that 12 year old Doublewood expression but improved with water and the longer the dram stayed in the glass. Had a slightly bitter aftertaste that was consistent with others in the range. Very similar to the 12 year old but lacked that little extra the sherry imparts.

Nose: Grassy without water, fresh, vanilla, fruity, oak
Body: Heavy
Finish: Long and sharp without water, warming, a tad bitter

This one needs water.

Brett – 89

A very tight nose, but also exceedingly "clean". Oranges are replaced by apple skins, which harmonize nicely with honey, vanilla, and freshly baked bread. Medium-bodied, the Signature also has a very warming, medium-length finish, replete with orange creams, peach pits, (very) light peat, Fruity Pebbles, homestyle biscuits, and light spiciness. I always look for a whisky's finish and nose to complement each other. These do; and quite nicely.

Glen –

Brett – 82

Rum!!! Nosing this dram, I felt like throwing-on an eye patch, swinging the bottle around, and giving a little Yo Ho Ho. It's almost that overpowering. But, shiver me timbers, there is more to it. Avast (sorry, I get carried away), there's also fresh nuts, vanilla wafers, and nectarines lurking in this inviting aroma. The body is medium-weight, and the finish medium-length, with distinct flavors dueling for prominence: the bitter of quinine and orange zest vs. the sweet of honey and fruitcake. An interesting dram, for when you want something different. Aye, me hearties?

Glen – 84

Big rum profile balanced nicely by Balvenie's full rich character. A lovely nose with hints of nectarines, apricots, and vanilla (once you get past all that beautiful rum).

Nose: Rum, nectarines, apricots, nutty, vanilla
Body: Medium and soft
Finish Medium length, rum, bitter oranges, honey

Balvenie on a Caribbean vacation

Brett – 90

I'm usually not a fan of BIG sherry drams – I find them overpowering. This dram is an exception. It is beautifully textured and, although the sherry is completely to the fore, it is far from oppressive. In fact, this limited edition release is remarkably fresh, allowing all of its olfactory friends to come out and play: almonds (roasted and fresh), well-oiled leather, balsamic vinegar, and gorgeous oak. Given the sherry, the body was lighter than I imagined it would be (which is not to say it was light, at all). The finish to this expression was no less luxurious: vanilla, lemon crème, and butter-almond ice cream. And a little sherry, of course. My advice (for what it's worth): get a bottle, before they're gone!

Glen – 87

This Balvenie is matured exclusively in sherry casks. This one will be a treat for Balvenie fans who rarely get a chance to buy a Balvenie that's been aged exclusively in sherry. The sherry is well balanced and not overdone. Plenty of other flavors peek through, like, pumpkin spice, toasted nuts, and fruit. A very nice and enjoyable Balvenie.

Nose: Sherry, pumpkin spice, toasted nuts, fruity
Body: Medium to full, flavorful
Finish: Long and spicy, dry and complex

Very flavorful and smooth. A good Fall/Winter dram.

Jeff – 69

This whisky has a great nose and I'm afraid it ends there. A whisky that doesn't live up to its nose. The oak almost overpowers the whisky.

Glen –

Jeff – 92

I could drink this whisky all day and night. I feel the finest in the range and I feel one of the better buys on the market today. the rich body with taffy, rich spiciness is just fantastic. The port does come threw on the finish that is smooth and long.

Glen – 91

An amazingly subtle and elegant whisky that's the best of the standard Balvenie range. A wonderful nose filled with tropical fruit is followed up with a smooth body and long finish. Has great balance. Very well done.

Nose: Fresh, subtle oak, tropical fruit, banana taffy, some spice
Body: Medium and smooth
Finish: Long and smooth, warming

A great dram.

Jeff – 92

This one starts off a little musty, as of tired oak; but it's hardly exhausted. The nose quickly perks up to aromas of roasted nuts, sandalwood, simple syrup, and a mix of mint and barley. It's almost intoxicating. This 25 YO is very full-bodied, especially for a Balvenie, and also has quite a long finish; a nice treat. And what a finish! Full of more roasted nuts, toasted oak, maple syrup, breakfast sausage, a healthy dose of peat, and (lest we forget) hints of bitter orange. This is the only expression which I've reviewed here that is, sadly, no longer available. I put it in, in the hopes that you can find a bottle on a dusty shelf somewhere. When you do, thank me.

Glen –

Jeff – 92

This one starts off a little musty, as of tired oak; but it's hardly exhausted. The nose quickly perks up to aromas of roasted nuts, sandalwood, simple syrup, and a mix of mint and barley. It's almost intoxicating. This 25 YO is very full-bodied, especially for a Balvenie, and also has quite a long finish; a nice treat. And what a finish! Full of more roasted nuts, toasted oak, maple syrup, breakfast sausage, a healthy dose of peat, and (lest we forget) hints of bitter orange. This is the only expression which I've reviewed here that is, sadly, no longer available. I put it in, in the hopes that you can find a bottle on a dusty shelf somewhere. When you do, thank me.

Glen –