Balvenie 12 years Double Wood

About the Balvenie 12 years Double Wood

Balvenie 12 Year Old DoubleWood is a core Speyside single malt whisky made by Balvenie Distillery, owned by William Grant & Sons. The DoubleWood concept, introduced in 1993, was pioneered by Malt Master David C. Stewart in the early 1980s as a way to add depth using sequential cask maturation. This whisky is aged for approximately 12 years. First, it matures in refill American oak ex-bourbon barrels for around ten to eleven years. It is then moved into first-fill Oloroso sherry butts for around nine months. These two stages give the spirit both vanilla and caramel sweetness along with richer dried fruit and spice. It is bottled at 40% ABV, chill-filtered, and has added caramel colouring. In the glass, it appears golden amber. On the nose, expect notes of honey, malt, butterscotch, stewed fruit, toasted oak, and gentle floral tones. Some reviewers identify cherries, raisins, and light spice. On the palate, it is smooth and balanced: caramel, dried fruits like apple, pear, raisin or apricot, vanilla, and light baking spices develop alongside nut flavours. A restrained peat or oak spice may emerge. The finish is medium in length and warming. Look for lingering sweet sherry notes, honey, gentle oak tannins, and a soft spice of cinnamon or ginger. Balvenie DoubleWood 12 has earned multiple awards over the years. Highlights include Gold at the 2020 International Spirits Challenge, Silver Outstanding at the IWSC in several years, and consistent recognition in its category of sub‑15‑year Speyside single malts. This expression is well-suited to both new and experienced whisky drinkers. Its balanced double cask maturation offers complexity without overwhelming. A few drops of water can soften the subtle tannins and lift floral and fruit notes. Priced affordably, it remains a reliable everyday dram and a benchmark entry into sherry-finished Speyside whisky.