Balvenie Single Barrel 1988 15y Cask #5996

Cookies and Cream

Reviewed by victor


An older, bourbon matured version of the 15 year old Single Barrel. A discontinued favorite for many Balvenie fans.

1.1 (Burnished)

Nose

Lots of vanilla. Cookies. The nose has a sharp kick with some citrus in it hiding in the curtains.

Palate

Very balanced mouthfeel on the light side with a classic ex-bourbon composition - vanilla, spice and a little fruit. A clear and very nice creamy taste.

Finish

No-frills Balvenie - wood spice, vanilla, some nuts, a little floral. Not far off the 17 year old DoubleWood actually, but without the sherry influence and with a slightly bigger taste.

Really nothing unexpected from this great dram. A clear step up from the 12 and 17 year old DoubleWoods, considerable more refined and less sharp than the 12 year old Single Barrels I've tried, and of course quite different from the 15 year old from sherry casks. I love the 12 SB for its brashness, I love this for the class.

Score

85 / 100
0-50 Subpar 51-60 Drinkable 61-70 Decent 71-80 Good 81-90 Great 91-100 Fantastic

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