Tasting Notes What we love about Balvenie is the ability of this seemingly traditional distillery to suddenly release something completely unexpected out of left field. The Balvenie 16 Year Old French Oak spent its early years in American oak accumulating notes of vanilla spice and honey. Balvenie's US Brand Ambassador Lorne Cousin then suggested finishing it in French oak casks that had previously been used to mature Pineau des Charentes. This rare aperitif is made from fresh or unfermented grape juice that has been fortified with Cognac eau-de-vie before being matured in barrels. It took Balvenie's Malt Master David Stewart MBE almost a decade to find the right casks but it was worth it. The whisky's second maturation seems to electrify it with grapefruit crystalised ginger geranium wildflower meadow zingy apple skins and candied fruits. This is our summer dram sorted. Balvenie means "village of luck"; anybody buying this classic Speyside will share in that good fortune. But the quality is not down to luck it comes from hard graft and attention to detail. Thanks to a unique combination of natural alchemy and centuries-old craftsmanship Balvenie remains one of the most independent and prestigious distilleries in all of Scotland. Situated in the heart of the Speyside region Balvenie unusually grows a proportion of its own barley and still employs a traditional malting floor - the last of its kind in the Scottish Highlands. A resident coppersmith maintains the distinctively shaped stills and a skilled team of coopers ensure each barrel is kept in perfect condition. It's true you make your own luck. Product Details Country: Scotland Alcohol by volume (ABV): 47.6% Volume: 700ml