Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 05:46 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
In my detailed analysis, explore variations between Balvenie Single Barrel 12 and DoubleWood, and determine your preferred Single Malt!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Balvenie Single Barrel 12 vs Balvenie DoubleWood 12: Comparison
Balvenie Single Barrel 12: A vibrant single malt with vanilla, honey, and citrus on the nose. The palate introduces spice and fruits like tangerine and apple, ending in a medium finish of orange peel and oak. Best enjoyed with a dash of water. Ideal for those seeking a unique and nuanced whisky experience.
Balvenie DoubleWood 12: Showcases honey, toffee, and pear aromas, leading to a palate of caramel, apple, and citrus. The finish brings spicy oak and roasted nuts. Best sipped neat. Perfect for enthusiasts looking for a smooth, balanced single malt.
Verdict: Both Balvenie Single Barrel 12 and Balvenie DoubleWood 12 offer distinct, high-quality experiences. The Single Barrel 12 excels in uniqueness and complex citrus flavors, while the DoubleWood 12 is celebrated for its smoothness and balance. Each provides a delightful taste journey, catering to diverse preferences among Scotch aficionados, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best Balvenie Whiskies
Balvenie Single Barrel 12: A Unique and Flavorful Single Malt
- Nose: Vanilla, honey, orange, tangerines, sultanas
- Palate: Spice, tangerine, orange, apple, pear, oak
- Finish: Medium, orange peel, oak
- Alcohol content: 96 proof (48% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Balvenie Single Barrel 15
Balvenie Single Barrel 12 offers a distinctive experience with each bottle, due to its unique aging process in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels.
- Nose: Light and inviting, with notes of vanilla, honey, and hints of orange, tangerine, and sultanas.
- Palate: Smooth with gentle warmth, offering subtle spice and fruity notes like tangerine, apple, and pear, alongside vanilla, caramel, and oak.
- Finish: Not overly long, with lingering citrus and oak notes, and slightly more warmth than the DoubleWood.
This Single Malt Scotch Whisky is perfect for:
- Exploring the natural variations of whisky: Each batch offers a slightly different taste profile.
- Enjoying a well-rounded dram: Offers a good balance of sweetness, spice, and fruitiness.
- Everyday sipping: Smooth and drinkable, making it a great choice for casual enjoyment.
Additional details:
- Aged in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels: Contributes to the unique and robust flavor profile.
- Limited batches: Each batch yields only 300 bottles, enhancing the exclusivity of this whisky.
Whether you’re a seasoned whisky drinker or curious to explore unique Single Malts, Balvenie Single Barrel 12 offers a distinctive and flavorful journey.
Balvenie DoubleWood 12: A Smooth and Balanced Single Malt
- Nose: Honey, toffee, vanilla, pear
- Palate: Caramel, apple, citrus
- Finish: Spicy oak, roasted nuts
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Glenlivet 12
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 entices the senses with an inviting aroma of ripe fruit, sherry, honey, and hints of vanilla.
- Nose: Ripe fruit mingles with sweet notes of sherry, honey, and vanilla.
- Palate: Smooth and well-rounded with flavors of mixed nuts, citrus peel, vanilla, and a touch of spice.
- Finish: Short to medium, with lingering oak spice and subtle vanilla.
This Single Malt Scotch Whisky offers a delightful balance of sweetness and spice, making it highly approachable for various palates.
Here’s what makes it special:
- Super smooth and easy to drink: Perfect for those who enjoy a gentle introduction to Single Malts.
- Well-rounded flavor profile: Offers a harmonious blend of fruity, nutty, spicy, and sweet notes.
- Award-winning: Earned the Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Additional details:
- Aged for 12 years: Initially matured in ex-bourbon barrels, then finished in Oloroso Sherry casks for nine months.
- Oloroso Sherry casks: Enhance the whisky’s flavor with notes of dried fruit and subtle sweetness.
Whether you’re a seasoned whisky enthusiast or just starting your exploration, Balvenie DoubleWood 12 offers a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Balvenie Single Barrel 12 | $90 |
| Balvenie DoubleWood 12 | $75 |