The Balvenie 15 Madeira Cask Travel Exclusive

 

The first segment(Mostly not available on google search)

Occasions, Tips, alternates, cocktails, food pairings, SJ's Rating, Feel

SJ's Rating- Top Shelf 

Hits the spot on everything, full of flavor, higher ABV smooth and delicious. This is available exclusively for travel retail only so grab one when you can. 

Occasion- Friend's PhD completion 

SJ's Pro tip- Great for celebrating special achievements or occasions

Alternates- Jura Turas mara

Food Pairing- Chicken momo

Feel(After drinking)- Elevated

The Second Segment(Technical details that are mostly available on google search)

Here goes the product story "The Balvenie Madeira Cask is lively and summery single malt finished in casks that previously held Madeira wine" 

Don't get carried away by the story itself, all it means is they matured the whisky first in American Oak Barrels then finished it in Madeira cask. 

So what is madeira cask?

Madeira is a region in Portugal which happens to be an archipelago. It's eponymous Madeira wine is very popular. Casks that mature this wine is madeira cask. 

The thing that is special is the location and weather of this place that influence how the casks impart their flavor. 

Well enough of this, time to taste this thing. 

Vital Stats-The Balvenie 15 Madeira Cask Travel Exclusive

Price- $119 for 750ml bottle(Duty free, Cabo Airport Mexico)

Age- 15 years

ABV- 43%

Region- Speyside

Distillery- The Balvenie Distillery, Banffshire, Scotland

Awards won-  95 points 2022, IWSC(International Wine & Spirits Competition)

Tasting info-

Serving glass- Whisky glass

Serving style- Neat

Appearance- Dark amber

Aroma- Fruity, spicy, dark chocolate, pepper, chocolate similar to Carribean cask 

Flavor- Fruity, spicy, cinnamon, pepper, citrus

Body- Full

Finish- Long, warm, spicy & lingering

I absolutely loved this one which is hard to find. If you find one, Cheers! Enjoy Responsibly. 

Not in the mood to read? Listen to my  SingleMaltLives Podcast