The Balvenie French Oak Aged 16 Years

Distillery Background and History

Founded in 1892 by William Grant in Dufftown, Speyside, The Balvenie Distillery is among the few remaining single malt producers that still oversee every stage in-house—planting barley, floor malting, cooperage, coppersmithing, and distilling. Family-owned through William Grant & Sons, the distillery is famed for its traditional craft ethos and pioneered the art of secondary maturation (cask finishing)  .

Master Distiller and Production Philosophy

While still guided by the legacy of the late David C. Stewart MBE, the Balvenie team continues to evolve its craft. For the French Oak release, the Master Blender and team focus on subtlety and elegance—leveraging fine French oak finishing to highlight delicate fruit and spice notes, demonstrating the distillery’s philosophy: innovation rooted in tradition  .

Source of Ingredients (Grain, Water, Yeast)

This single malt is crafted from 100% malted barley—partly estate-grown on Balvenie’s own Dufftown land, supplemented by regional suppliers. The spirit uses Speyside spring water and traditional yeast strains, preserving its characteristic honeyed, malty elegance  .

Distillation Process

Distilled in copper pot stills typical of Balvenie—five wash stills and six spirit stills—using traditional batch processes that yield a smooth, medium-bodied malt with balanced richness  .

Maturation & Cask Information

Initially matured for 16 years in ex-bourbon American oak barrels, the whisky is then finished for several months in French oak casks that previously held Pineau des Charentes (a grape-based fortified wine). This finishing imparts subtle fruity, citrus, and spicy notes, layered with the distillery’s signature honey and vanilla  .

Tasting Notes

Nose: Gingerbread, sponge cake, grapefruit zest, honeyed apricot, geranium, fresh meadow grass 

Palate: Almond pastries, glazed fruits, vanilla, toasted cedar, followed by malted cereal sweetness and citrus spice 

Finish: Medium length; honey, citrus, mild oak dryness, a hint of white pepper and ginger 

Food Pairing Suggestions

Complements citrus-based desserts, almond shortbread, crème brûlée, mild aged cheddar, apple strudel, or light fruit tarts. Also pairs well with summer salads featuring dried fruit or nuts.

Serving Suggestions and Ideal Glassware

Serve neat or with a splash of water in a Glencairn or tulip glass at 15–18 °C. A tulip glass highlights its delicate fruit and oak notes. No ice recommended to preserve aromatic integrity.

Storage and Aging Potential

Store upright in a cool, dark place. As a fully matured 16-year-old, further bottle aging adds little; best enjoyed within a few years of opening.

Grain Type & Mash Bill

Single malt Scotch whisky—100% malted barley.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

47.6%