Triple casking is the Malt Master's art of maturing fine Whisky in a selection of prior use oak barrels, imparting a complexity of characters into the Spirit, before transfer to Sherry casks for a term of finishing, where the Malt becomes infused with rich spice, achieving greater depth of flavour and fullness of palate. Balvenie 16 Year Old is an elder sibling, it shares the characteristic honeyed, spicy qualities of all Balvenie, but is distinctly different, with deeper vanilla characters, hints of green apple, creamy toffee notes, richness and complexity.
Only at The Balvenie Distillery will you still find all five of the rare Malt making crafts. Balvenie grow their own barley on estate farms which adjoins the Distillery and nearby Balvenie Castle. Malting barley in house, to old fashioned methods, contributes profound complexity to The Balvenie. The coppersmith maintains the stills which are so critical in defining the smooth, honeyed flavour of The Malt. Completely coopered on site by Balvenie artisans, traditionally made oak casks provide so much of The Balvenie's exquisite character.
Deep amber colour. Elegant and complex oak nose, vanilla, honeyed sweetness and a hint of green apple. Sweetly dried fruit palate, sherbets and spice, toasted almonds and cinnamon, layered with a richness of creamy toffee notes, traces of oak and deep vanilla. Vanilla oak, honey and spicy sweetness to the finish.
