Balvanie double wood was really the first scotch i fell in love with. Then I had the 14yo in Caribbean cask. Which was fuckin awesome. Thanks for this video. Glad the double wood still holds strong
I'm currently working on my first 15 Sherry and I love it. I do more smelling than drinking with it. The Glen Dronach 15 is a little different I guess richer as you said. I'd say darker flavors. Almost bought the 21 Port but it sounds like I made the better choice for the price. I'm a fan of the 14 Rum cask back there on your shelf, but I guess you don't consider that a standard bottle.
I personally find the 15 much better value than the 21, im glad you like it! The 14 is a standard bottling, I just didn’t include it in the lineup because rum cask finishes are typically not a ‘standard’ cask for scotch relative to ex bourbon, sherry, etc
Love love love me some Balvenie. Was hoping to see if you had a couple of their travel exclusives in your lineup as I've picked up their 15 Madeira cask and a bottle of their 18 Pedro Ximinez cask and the 18 is absolutely terrific!
Excellent review guys. I am a Balvenie fan with the American Toasted Oak being my favorite. I don’t know where you live but the prices you are quoting are about 20-30% less than here in Michigan. I pay $80 for the Toasted Oak and the 15 Year old is $135 Anyway, keep up the great reviews.
Thanks! We’re in Florida. But there is even a huge difference just between our town and Orlando nearby. I also just saw the sweet toast of American oak for $78 yesterday. Whiskey prices are hugely variable due to fluctuations in supply/demand and the inherent structure of the 3 tier system. A big store like Total wine can consistently and easily get the same bottle as an independent store for 10-15% less im since they buy in bulk. Oftentimes they will offer even lower pricing to move product or drive interest too. Just look at Costco, I see posts on Facebook where they offer Lagavulin 16 for $60 or less, meanwhile I’ve never seen it for less than $95
Yeah $120 is steep but if you’re really after that super rich sherry cask whisky I can’t think of anything else you can find for cheaper besides maybe Mac 12 and Glendronach 12 and neither of those is nearly as intense as this one can be depending on the bottle.
I had the same reaction when I tasted the 15 yr American Oak😅. The 17 yr double wood is my all time favorite. I was completely caught off guard with it being discontinued. I had a 17 yr old sherry cask that was also amazing that was discontinued.
The lack of added colour (E150) and non-chill filtration has to be explicitly stated on the bottle, otherwise it is *not* an integrity bottling. Also, although Balvenie is rather delicate, strengths of >43% need a few ml of water and several minutes of air before tasting.
totally agree on the 15 and was a no brainer that was going to win and the only one worth buying at it's price point if found for a good price. None are bad but the 15 is so much deeper than other Balvenies outside of the Tun and those are way over price for what they are
I agree. Almost all whisky right now is ‘overpriced’ especially compared to just a few years ago. However, when it’s all overpriced, it sadly makes none of it overpriced because there’s no alternative :/ all we can hope for is a reduction in demand soon to drop prices back down.
I had 15 at a bar a couple years back and it was the best I ever had. Recently picked up a bottle and it wasn’t that great. Think the other one was was a refill and had more balvenie character and this one is first fill and a sherry bomb. So dark can’t even see through bottle. Also just bought a bottle of the 21 and it’s stunning.
The 12 doublewood or Single Barrel? My co-host on the Whiskey Uncut podcast is a bourbon guy and he loves the 12 single barrel. One of his favorite scotches!
They should try Glenfiddich Fire & Cane. It’s Balvenie’s sister distillery and also rum finished! I don’t like it quite as much as the Caribbean cask, but it’s cheaper as well and I think it’s still a good pour to try for anyone who enjoys the rum cask finish.
Very nice! I’ve found the 14 is a fantastic bottle to convert people who aren’t typically whiskey drinkers as well. It’s just really light, sweet and enjoyable
@@MaltMondays I had not had a drink of alcohol in close to 40 years because I didn't find the alcohol taste enjoyable. A relative of mine suggested I try one of the whiskeys in his small bar. So, my first "reintroduction" into this was Caribbean 14 years old. Wonderful way to start. Just bought a bottle of the Sweat Toast of American oak this weekend to give it a try.
@@Scott-co4dq Fantastic! Welcome to the whiskey family Scott :) I think the 14 yr. Is more universally loved than the sweet toast of american oak, but I have several friends who absolutely love that bottle too!
I think the 12 single barrel is a better whisky all around. Natural color, higher ABV, non chill filtered, more nuance, and individuality between bottles. However if you want sherry cask influence, you will need to get the 12 double wood.
Hard to say if it’s ‘better’. Better value definitely as Mortlachnis quite expensive. However, if you like a holder heavier spirit the Mortlach will float your boat much more than Balvenie
Generally the only whiskies that go up significantly are limited editions / annual releases. I think The 17 is a bit too common to see much of a price increase from being discontinued, but some stores may bump the price a little bit once it is official that stocks won’t be replenished.
Hibiki was amazing when their 12 & 17 were available. Unfortunately due to the Japanese craze, the Harmony is much more expensive than it really should be. It's enjoyable for sure, but it's nearly $100 now and simply doesn't justify that price at all to me or many others in the community. When it was $60, it was a different story :)
Balvanie double wood was really the first scotch i fell in love with. Then I had the 14yo in Caribbean cask. Which was fuckin awesome. Thanks for this video. Glad the double wood still holds strong
Doublewood is an extremely consistent product that offers good quality at a reasonable price. Always recommended.
Always appreciate when people do videos like this, it helps immensely, thank you Gents! Slàinte 🥃
Glad it was helpful!
I'm currently working on my first 15 Sherry and I love it. I do more smelling than drinking with it. The Glen Dronach 15 is a little different I guess richer as you said. I'd say darker flavors. Almost bought the 21 Port but it sounds like I made the better choice for the price. I'm a fan of the 14 Rum cask back there on your shelf, but I guess you don't consider that a standard bottle.
I personally find the 15 much better value than the 21, im glad you like it! The 14 is a standard bottling, I just didn’t include it in the lineup because rum cask finishes are typically not a ‘standard’ cask for scotch relative to ex bourbon, sherry, etc
Love love love me some Balvenie. Was hoping to see if you had a couple of their travel exclusives in your lineup as I've picked up their 15 Madeira cask and a bottle of their 18 Pedro Ximinez cask and the 18 is absolutely terrific!
This is my kind of video! LOVE IT MAN!
Thanks! I really like doing these comparison videos too!
Excellent review guys. I am a Balvenie fan with the American Toasted Oak being my favorite. I don’t know where you live but the prices you are quoting are about 20-30% less than here in Michigan. I pay $80 for the Toasted Oak and the 15 Year old is $135 Anyway, keep up the great reviews.
Thanks! We’re in Florida. But there is even a huge difference just between our town and Orlando nearby. I also just saw the sweet toast of American oak for $78 yesterday. Whiskey prices are hugely variable due to fluctuations in supply/demand and the inherent structure of the 3 tier system.
A big store like Total wine can consistently and easily get the same bottle as an independent store for 10-15% less im since they buy in bulk. Oftentimes they will offer even lower pricing to move product or drive interest too. Just look at Costco, I see posts on Facebook where they offer Lagavulin 16 for $60 or less, meanwhile I’ve never seen it for less than $95
Great review! I think I’m going to pick up a bottle of the single barrel.
Thanks Kyle, Balvenie makes great Single Barrel whiskies for sure!
The 1st fill 15yo is my go to. Somewhat pricey but worth the splurge. Thanks for the great review.
Yeah $120 is steep but if you’re really after that super rich sherry cask whisky I can’t think of anything else you can find for cheaper besides maybe Mac 12 and Glendronach 12 and neither of those is nearly as intense as this one can be depending on the bottle.
I had the same reaction when I tasted the 15 yr American Oak😅. The 17 yr double wood is my all time favorite. I was completely caught off guard with it being discontinued. I had a 17 yr old sherry cask that was also amazing that was discontinued.
17 doublewood is a great one and sad to see it go. 21 port was my favorite before I discovered how unique some 15 single barrels could be
Balvenie Doublewood is the best value scotch in my humble opinion
It's definitely one of the best value bottles available!
What i thought when I got a case year ago. Price just started to move a little. Should have went for the Macallan 12
Thanks guys, drinking my first Double Wood today. Tastes amazing.
That's fantastic!
I tried both the 10 year old, and the 12 year old balvenie. I found both of the a little harsh, and rough on the palate, but enjoyable..
I haven’t seen a 10 year old before. Where are you located?
The lack of added colour (E150) and non-chill filtration has to be explicitly stated on the bottle, otherwise it is *not* an integrity bottling. Also, although Balvenie is rather delicate, strengths of >43% need a few ml of water and several minutes of air before tasting.
Balvenie single barrels should be natural color even if not stated. Every bottle I've seen is a different color. Their batched products however aren't
Caribbean all day for me
That’s a good one for sure!
totally agree on the 15 and was a no brainer that was going to win and the only one worth buying at it's price point if found for a good price. None are bad but the 15 is so much deeper than other Balvenies outside of the Tun and those are way over price for what they are
I agree. Almost all whisky right now is ‘overpriced’ especially compared to just a few years ago. However, when it’s all overpriced, it sadly makes none of it overpriced because there’s no alternative :/ all we can hope for is a reduction in demand soon to drop prices back down.
No price drop. Thier yaking about shipping delays and cause for further price increases. Just get a case when u can.
I had 15 at a bar a couple years back and it was the best I ever had. Recently picked up a bottle and it wasn’t that great. Think the other one was was a refill and had more balvenie character and this one is first fill and a sherry bomb. So dark can’t even see through bottle. Also just bought a bottle of the 21 and it’s stunning.
Yeah the 15 single barrel varies significantly bottle to bottle. When it’s a good bottle it’s sublime for the $ though
Try the Balvenie 27 Year Old Caroni Rum Cask Finish if you get the chance. I have a dram with me while I watch this. It's a beauty.
Coming from strictly bourbons and a lot of them, the balvenie12 is a winner for me. I will be trying the whole lineup this summer
The 12 doublewood or Single Barrel? My co-host on the Whiskey Uncut podcast is a bourbon guy and he loves the 12 single barrel. One of his favorite scotches!
Even though I generally prefer Islay scotches, Balvenie 21 year Portwood is still my favorite.
21 portwood is definitely a good one
My favorite hands down. But haven’t had the 25. Dis try the 30 when it was going for about $899. Not anymore.
The Double Wood 12 in Australia is only 40%, so thin and watery 😢
I’ve got a friend that is obsessed with the Caribbean cask. Can you recommend a bottle they should try?
They should try Glenfiddich Fire & Cane. It’s Balvenie’s sister distillery and also rum finished! I don’t like it quite as much as the Caribbean cask, but it’s cheaper as well and I think it’s still a good pour to try for anyone who enjoys the rum cask finish.
Very much a Macallan 15 kind of guy. Trying the Balvenie 12 now!
Nice, Let me know what you think when you do!
I love Balvenie. Currently Sipping on Caribbean Cask 14.
Very nice! I’ve found the 14 is a fantastic bottle to convert people who aren’t typically whiskey drinkers as well. It’s just really light, sweet and enjoyable
@@MaltMondays I had not had a drink of alcohol in close to 40 years because I didn't find the alcohol taste enjoyable. A relative of mine suggested I try one of the whiskeys in his small bar. So, my first "reintroduction" into this was Caribbean 14 years old. Wonderful way to start. Just bought a bottle of the Sweat Toast of American oak this weekend to give it a try.
@@Scott-co4dq Fantastic! Welcome to the whiskey family Scott :)
I think the 14 yr. Is more universally loved than the sweet toast of american oak, but I have several friends who absolutely love that bottle too!
Did you guys skip your no3 ?! 😂😂😂
Hi, I have a question what is better to buy the 12 year old double wood or 12 single barrel balvenie
I think the 12 single barrel is a better whisky all around. Natural color, higher ABV, non chill filtered, more nuance, and individuality between bottles. However if you want sherry cask influence, you will need to get the 12 double wood.
Is it better than Mortlach ?
Hard to say if it’s ‘better’. Better value definitely as Mortlachnis quite expensive. However, if you like a holder heavier spirit the Mortlach will float your boat much more than Balvenie
Very good review. Thank you very much.
Hope it was helpful!
Hey guys what would you say is a good sweeter single malt to try?
Balvenie 14 carribean cask leans a little sweeter, so does the 12 doublewood.
Portwood 21 is amazing. Havent tried any of these.
The 21 is very good!
Out of stock
Hey guys if the 17 has been discontinued, do you think the price is going to go up for it given that they aren’t making it anymore?
Generally the only whiskies that go up significantly are limited editions / annual releases. I think The 17 is a bit too common to see much of a price increase from being discontinued, but some stores may bump the price a little bit once it is official that stocks won’t be replenished.
@@MaltMondays £400 in UK
Always wanted to try hibiki tho
Hibiki was amazing when their 12 & 17 were available. Unfortunately due to the Japanese craze, the Harmony is much more expensive than it really should be. It's enjoyable for sure, but it's nearly $100 now and simply doesn't justify that price at all to me or many others in the community. When it was $60, it was a different story :)