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An exotic single malt from Jura that was initially matured in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels before being finished in hand-selected Caribbean rum casks. The result is aromas of guava, toasted coconut, sugar-coated almonds, apricots and orange that fill the nose, complemented by notes of vanilla fudge, mango, banana, guava, sea salt and lime throughout the palate.

It's been over a decade since we've revisited the Balvenie range. From the 12 Year Old, right up to the venerable 30 year old expression, the house style emerges as one of the lightest and most delicate to be found from Speyside with almost no peat evident. 'Doublewood' gains its character from maturation in two woods, transferred from traditional x-Bourbon American oak to a Sherry oak casks for its final maturation. It's sometimes described as the classic, "essential" expression in Balvenie’s core range. From a 30ml sample, the nose is lifted with vanilla, dilute honey and dried fruits. The entry is featherweight, unfolding into a medium-weight dram with moderate flavours of dried fruit and a warm mouthfeel. An aftertaste of dried grass and drying oak sustains a little prickle. All up, this is uncomplicated and typical of the distillery style, but even at 12 years old, Doublewood still tastes surprisingly young. 40% Alc./Vol.

The result is a perfect combination of vibrancy and depth. The nose is sweetly aromatic with notes of cream soda, cacao husk, sandalwood, pineapple and green almonds. In the mouth, a viscous honeyed entry precedes spicy wood aromatics along with parchment and caramelised walnuts. Adding water brings a little of that Ardmore smoke to the fore. The finish is refreshing and long. Simply sip and savour—with a dash of water to release the oils and esters—or enjoy as a long drink with soda, Japanese style.