The Balvenie 17 Years Old, New Wood

Tasted in Whisky Magazine Issue 57 by Michael Jackson and Arthur Motley.

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Tasting Notes

Michael Jackson Nose Rich. Warming. Malty and sweet. Malt and creamy vanilla high notes. Palate Fairly dense, yet initially dry. A hint of chocolate cookies, with a cherry-like sharpness. Finish A little more oily and slightly burnt. Hints at cough mixture. Tarry? Comment Attractive in the glass, with a pleasant nose, rich in dessert notes, but is let down by a slight astringency in the palate.

Arthur Motley Nose An explosion of fruits: peach, bruised apples, black cherry, strawberry milkshake. In the background there is a sappy, hay-like quality. Palate Milk chocolate, spice and toasted oak. Finish More toasted oak and dry spice. Comment Dramatic, like a kiddie’s sweetshop in a sawmill. One to try for interests sake, but I suspect that many hard-men malt fans will be put off by the perfumed character.