The Balvenie Doublewood aged 17 years

Distillery Background and History

Founded in Dufftown in 1892 by William Grant, Balvenie is one of Scotland’s rare few distilleries preserving all traditional crafts in‑house: estate-grown barley, floor malting, cooperage, copper‑smithing, and its own Malt Master & Sons team. The 17-year-old DoubleWood was introduced around 2012 as an elevated version of the original DoubleWood series. It offers deeper complexity while maintaining the distillery’s classic style.

Master Distiller and Production Philosophy

Legendary Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE was instrumental in developing Balvenie’s cask-finishing philosophy. The 17‑year version reflects his vision: prolonged maturation in American oak, followed by finishing in European sherry casks to bring richer spice, fruit, and balance to the expression.

Source of Ingredients (Grain, Water, Yeast)

Produced from 100% malted barley—partially estate-grown and supplemented by regional suppliers. The distillery uses pure Speyside spring water and traditional whisky yeast strains, helping preserve its honeyed, floral profile.

Distillation Process

Distilled using copper pot stills (five wash stills and six spirit stills) in small batch production. Unpeated and executed to deliver medium-bodied, smooth spirit typical of Speyside.

Maturation & Cask Information

Matured for a full 17 years in ex‑bourbon American oak barrels, then finished in European (often Spanish Oloroso) oak sherry casks. After finishing, the spirit is married in large oak tuns to achieve a harmonious balance without over-dominant sherry character. 

Tasting Notes

Nose: Honeyed vanilla, green apple, baking spices, toffee, dried figs, and subtle oak elegance. 

Palate: Smooth and creamy with red fruit sweetness, dried apricot, cinnamon, nutmeg, toasted almonds, and soft vanilla oak. Some find hints of pineapple and stewed fruit. 

Finish: Medium length; gentle spice, lingering honey, light oak tannin, and a clean, slightly sweet-ending ripple. Finish is solid but not overly long. 

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pairs beautifully with crème brûlée, salted caramel desserts, almond biscotti, grilled fruit (peach or pear), mild cheeses like Brie, and honey-glazed chicken.

Serving Suggestions and Ideal Glassware

Best served neat or with a drop of water in a Glencairn or tulip glass at about 15–18 °C. Swirling gently helps open up subtle aromas. Avoid ice as it may mute the nuanced flavor.

Storage and Aging Potential

Store upright in a cool, dark place. Being a matured 17-year whisky, further aging after bottling offers minimal change. Consume within a few years after opening to preserve aromatic vibrancy.

Grain Type & Mash Bill (if applicable)

Single malt Scotch whisky—made from 100% malted barley, finished in bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

43% ABV.