The Balvenie 12 Year Old The 1931 Collection - 70cl/47.5%

Distillery history:The Balvenie Distillery was founded in 1892 by William Grant in Speyside, next to Glenfiddich. It is known for traditional floor malting and still maintains its own malting floor. The house style emphasises handcraft and a honeyed sweetness characteristic of Speyside.

Whisky notes:This is The Balvenie 12 Year Old The 1931 Collection, created as a tribute to the distillery’s oldest-ever release, the 88 Year Old distilled in 1931. Made from 100% home-malted barley, it was initially matured in American oak casks and finished in ex-Sherry Bodega European oak butts from Jerez. Bottled at 47.5% ABV, with packaging designed by artist Daniel Arsham.

Tasting notes:Nosing: warm biscuit, creamy toffee, delicate ginger and aromatic oak.Palate: mellow barley sugar sweetness, warming into crystallised ginger, raisin and spiced richness.Finish: rich, velvety and smooth, with warm spice and a rounded texture.