Product Description:
Double cask depth, 17 years in the making.
Balvenie DoubleWood 17 Year Old is a masterclass in layered maturation, created by Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE—one of the most influential figures in modern Scotch whisky. This single malt builds on the legacy of the beloved 12 Year Old, taking the same dual-cask approach to greater depth and complexity. It begins in American oak, lending soft vanilla and gentle spice, before a second maturation in European oak sherry casks adds richness, dried fruit, and structure.
The result is unmistakably Balvenie: honeyed, elegant, and textured. But this older sibling shows more refinement—more green apple and creamy toffee, more weight on the palate, and a longer, spiced finish. It's a whisky crafted the traditional way, with the Five Rare Crafts still at its core—from in-house malting to the cooperage and cask finishing that make it truly distinct.
For seasoned drinkers or those looking to explore beyond the standard expressions, DoubleWood 17 is an ideal next step: contemplative, balanced, and deeply satisfying.
Maker
William Grant’s vision for Balvenie, established in 1892, was to transform the abandoned shell of an 18th-century manor house into a thriving whisky production facility. Neighbouring his successful Glenfiddich distillery, Grant used second-hand stills from Lagavulin and Glen Albyn to set up Balvenie, establishing a unique character for his new venture.
Today, Balvenie’s impressive craftsmanship continues to set it apart. The distillery operates with four wash stills and five spirit stills, which, though of similar dimensions as those at Glenfiddich, are taller. This height difference imparts a distinct style to Balvenie’s whisky, contributing to a richer and more nuanced profile compared to its neighbouring distillery.
A standout feature of The Balvenie is its commitment to traditional methods. Unlike many modern distilleries, Balvenie still practices floor malting, a time-honoured technique that involves spreading barley on the floor to germinate. This traditional process is complemented by the use of an on-site kiln for malting and peating, with barley grown on the distillery’s own farm, Balvenie Mains. This dedication to maintaining traditional practices ensures that each bottle of Balvenie whisky carries a deep sense of heritage and authenticity.
The Balvenie’s unique approach combines time-honoured techniques with innovative practices, such as the pioneering ‘finishing’ method introduced by Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE. This blend of tradition and innovation results in a range of whiskies that are both distinct and exceptional, reflecting the rich history and enduring legacy of The Balvenie Distillery.
Phiosophy
The Balvenie distillery is a paragon of tradition and expertise, with a deep-rooted commitment to crafting exceptional whisky. This dedication is evident in every aspect of their production process, reflecting a blend of time-honoured practices and modern skill.
Unique among Scottish Highlands distilleries, The Balvenie grows and malts a portion of its own barley. This tradition, carried forward by James Wiseman and his son Duncan, ensures that generations of knowledge contribute to the whisky's distinctive quality. The Wiseman family's involvement in barley farming spans decades, underpinning the distillery’s legacy.
The art of cooperage is another cornerstone of The Balvenie's approach. Master cooper Ian McDonald, with 54 years at the distillery, exemplifies the craftsmanship required to repair and rebuild casks, a skill developed over years of experience, Ian shares, "I've been working with wood for so long that I know American Oak from European by feel." Also labour intensive is the malting floor, where malt men manually turn barley up to four times a day, and the precise use of peat in the kiln, add layers of complexity to the whisky.
The distillery’s copper stills are instrumental in shaping its flavour. Dennis McBain's expertise in copper smithing, alongside his apprentice George Singer, ensures that the intricate design of the stills contributes to the signature honeyed notes of The Balvenie.
Former Malt Master David C. Stewart, who dedicated 60 years to The Balvenie, revolutionised whisky production with his pioneering techniques, particularly around ‘cask finishes’. In 2023, Stewart passed the mantle to Kelsey McKechnie, recognising her exceptional talent and commitment. Stewart’s legacy continues through McKechnie, ensuring The Balvenie’s tradition of excellence endures.
Tasting Notes
NOSE
– Elegant and layered
Vanilla, oak and honey meet green apple and subtle spice.
PALATE
– Rich and textured
Sweet dried fruits, sherbet spice, creamy toffee, toasted almonds and deep vanilla.
FINISH
– Lingering warmth
Honeyed oak, warming spice and soft vanilla sweetness.
Finer Details
Style - Whisky
Varietal - Scotch Whisky
Country - Scotland
Bottle Size - 700ml
ABV - 43%
Closure - Cork
Sale
Sale
