Balvenie 19 Year Old – Cask And Character

The latest release in the Balvenie Stories range is a 19 Year Old that’s been solely matured in European oak ex-sherry casks. Cask and Character pays homage to the craftsmanship of the coopers who make each cask used by The Balvenie – and the lengthy journey of learning it takes to qualify in this art. Balvenie’s newest coopers, Jack Lomas and Liam Henderson, finished their four-year apprenticeship last year and were – in accordance with the traditions of the Coopers’ Guild – ‘tarred and feathered’ at the end of it to mark the end of their journey!

The choice of sherry maturation is a tribute to The Balvenie’s Head Cooper Ian McDonald and his work with Spanish bodegas. It is a rich, luscious expression with honey smoothness, rich layers of fruit and lifts of spice.

Tasting notes from The Balvenie:

Nose: Intense ripe fruits and caramelised orange peel reveal beautifully toasted oak and milled barley.

Palate: Bold and balanced, flavours of currants, cherries and raisins give way to chewy fig, rich cacao and a creamy nutty finish.