Balvenie 17 Years Old Sherry Oak 48.2% NV

Professionele reviews

Serge Valentin (88)

Balvenie 17 yo ‘SherryOak’ (43%, OB, 2007) This brand new Balvenie was fully matured in Oloroso sherry casks. Colour: deep amber with bronze hues. Nose: starts immediately dry, mostly on coffee and bitter cocoa, which is certainly unusual for Balvenie, but rather beautiful. Gets even more coffeeish (all kinds of coffee, from espresso to café latte) and rather perfectly spicy (cinnamon, nutmeg, hints of star anise), and then more ‘antique’, with old leather, wax polish, old furniture... Discreet whiffs of soy sauce, but not meatiness here. I really like this one, very cleanly dry. Mouth: a slight weakness at the attack due to the low strength but it’s soon to take off, on these coffeeish and chocolaty notes again, prunes, Corinth raisins, the same spices as on the nose and a slight, pleasant tannicity (not bone-dry). Maybe the middle is a bit weakish again but the finish is longer again, rather full, clean, still very dry, with pleasant tannins and an aftertaste on cooked blackcurrants and prunes. A success I think.

BOW (89.50)

Balvenie 17 Years Old Sherry Oak: A Symphony of Sherry Elegance

Nestled in the heart of Speyside, the Balvenie Distillery has long been revered for its commitment to craftsmanship and traditional whisky-making techniques. The Balvenie 17 Years Old Sherry Oak, bottled in 2007, is a distinguished expression that showcases the marriage of time, oak, and the rich influence of 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Casks. With an ABV of 48.2%, this release is a testament to the artistry of Balvenie's maturation process, offering a sensory journey through honeyed sweetness, dried fruits, and a symphony of sherry elegance.

The Maturation Masterpiece:
Crafted in 2007, the Balvenie 17 Years Old Sherry Oak embarked on a maturation journey within the confines of a 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Cask. This choice of cask, renowned for imparting rich and complex flavors, allowed the whisky to develop a profound character over its 17-year slumber. Bottled at the perfect moment, this release represents the culmination of Balvenie's dedication to traditional craftsmanship.

Tasting Notes:
As the amber elixir graces the glass, it invites enthusiasts to partake in a sensory symphony.

Nose:
The first encounter is a grand honeyed passage, setting the stage for the rich sherry sweetness to unfold. Raisins, dates, and prunes contribute to a tapestry of dried fruits, while a subtle floral note, reminiscent of roses, dances alongside dandelion. Raspberry and blackcurrant add a layer of brightness, creating a nose that is both complex and inviting.

Taste:
On the palate, the Balvenie 17 Years Old Sherry Oak delivers a gentle mouthfeel that is impeccably balanced. The taste journey is a delightful exploration of confections, with muffin, brittle, and golden syrup leading the way. Flapjacks adorned with dried fruit offer a comforting sweetness, while almonds, cashews, and buckwheat honey add layers of depth. The taste is a testament to the meticulous blending of flavors, creating a harmonious and well-rounded profile.

Finish:
The grand finale is a bitter, pungent, and pretty long finish that leaves a lasting impression. A smack of old wood and oak cask is accompanied by the richness of walnuts and the sweetness of blueberries. The finish evolves into the indulgent notes of chocolate cake, culminating in a final flourish of mocaccino, reminiscent of mocha coffee.

Conclusion:
The Balvenie 17 Years Old Sherry Oak is a maturation masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of Speyside elegance. From the big honeyed nose to the well-balanced taste and the rich, lingering finish, this expression is a celebration of the artistry that defines Balvenie's whisky-making tradition. As enthusiasts savor each sip, they are transported to a realm where time, sherry casks, and meticulous craftsmanship converge to create a symphony of flavors that linger long after the final drop.

Official tasting note ()

AGED 17 YEARS

This limited edition release from 2007 spent all 17 years of its maturation in first fill Oloroso sherry casks. The result pays homage to the casks’ southern Spanish origins - a rich and intense single malt, characterised by mixed spice and sweet sherry fruitiness.Rich and intense with complex layers of sherried oak, spiced apples, caramelised pears and toasted almonds, the aroma of The Balvenie SherryOak also intrigues with hints of beeswax, fresh ground spices and a subtle earthiness.On the palate, first impressions are of mixed spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves) combined with sweet, fruity, sherried flavours. On the addition of a little water a delicate vanilla character reveals itself with a beautiful stewed fruit sweetness and a touch of oak tannin. Its finish is rewardingly long and rich with a touch of dryness at the very end.