🥃 The Balvenie DoubleWood 17 Years Old

Speyside Sophistication | Dual Cask Maturation with Richness & Depth

The Balvenie DoubleWood 17 Years Old is a refined single malt that extends the classic DoubleWood character with additional age and complexity. It is matured first in American oak barrels and then finished in European sherry casks, producing a beautifully balanced whisky with mature oak, spice, and layered fruit.

📌 Features & Details

• Brand / Expression: The Balvenie DoubleWood 17 Years Old

• Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky

• Origin: Dufftown, Speyside, Scotland

• ABV: 43%

• Age: 17 years

• Cask Maturation: Initially matured in American oak (ex‑bourbon), then finished in European (sherry) oak casks

• Status: Discontinued / Rare

👃 Tasting Notes

Nose

• Vanilla custard, creamy toffee, and honeyed oak

• Orchard fruit: green apple, pear, and subtle dried fig

• Light baking spices, cinnamon, and hints of golden pastry

Palate

• Smooth and creamy texture

• Flavors of red berries, raisins, dried fruit, cinnamon, toasted almonds, and toffee

• Oak influence becomes more pronounced — a mix of sweet vanilla and gentle tannin

Finish

• Medium length

• Notes of vanilla oak, honey, gentle spice, and a lingering warmth

⭐ Independent / Community Review Highlights

• Delivers deeper vanilla notes, hints of green apple, creamy toffee, and striking richness and complexity compared to the 12-year version

• Smooth balance with orchard fruits, red berries, leather, and gentle woodiness

• Aroma includes woody leather, dried fruit, and nutty oak; palate brings spice, nut roast, and sherried complexity

• Discontinued expression, increasing desirability and collectibility

🎁 Presentation & Collectibility

• Ideal For:

  • Whisky lovers who appreciate the refined elegance of older Speyside malt

  • Those who enjoy a double-cask style (bourbon then sherry) with added age depth

  • Collectors — especially now that it’s discontinued

• Serving Recommendation:

  • Best enjoyed neat in a tulip or Glencairn glass to appreciate aromatic complexity

  • A few drops of water can help open up the oak spice and fruit character

• Collector Notes:

  • Bottles are becoming harder to find and may command a premium

  • Often praised as a more mature, richer sibling to the DoubleWood 12

  • Well-suited for both drinking and display in a serious whisky collection