Balvenie 16 Year Old French Oak Pineau Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml

$329.00
Overview

The Balvenie 16 Year Old French Oak is a single malt that spends its early years in American oak before finishing in French oak casks that once held Pineau des Charentes, a fortified wine from France. It's the first time Balvenie has used Pineau casks for a release, and it shows: that classic honey and vanilla base gets a fresh hit of citrus and glazed fruit on the back end. Rated a strong 94 points by Whisky Advocate. Crafted at the Balvenie Distillery in Speyside, Scotland, this is a drop worth slowing down for.

Product Details
Attribute Detail
Brand The Balvenie
Producer The Balvenie Distillery
Country / Region Scotland, Speyside
Style Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Mash Bill 100% malted barley (single malt)
Age Statement 16 Years
ABV 47.6%
Cask Type American oak, finished in French oak Pineau des Charentes casks
Bottle Size 700ml
Release Type Permanent release, part of the Cask Finishes Range
Tasting Notes
  • Nose: Citrus and vanilla up front, with light floral notes and a touch of green apple.
  • Palate: Creamy and smooth, brown sugar, chocolate and golden raisins with a kick of ginger spice and a citrus zing from lemon and grapefruit.
  • Finish: Vanilla tinged with good length, a touch of spice and a grassy citrus edge.
What sets this bottle apart
  • The first Balvenie expression finished in French oak Pineau des Charentes casks
  • Balances Balvenie's signature honey and vanilla sweetness with citrus and glazed fruit
  • Part of the distillery's ongoing Cask Finishes Range
  • Rated 94 points by Whisky Advocate
  • A 16 year old single malt with real depth from its dual cask maturation
Distillery Information

The Balvenie Distillery, based in Dufftown in Speyside, Scotland, is known for its hands-on approach to whisky making and its long-running Cask Finishes Range. This expression starts life in American oak before finishing in French oak casks that previously held Pineau des Charentes, a fortified wine from France. It's the first time Balvenie has used this style of cask, adding a fresh citrus- and fruit-driven layer to the distillery's classic profile.

Awards & Recognition

  • 94 Points, Whisky Advocate

Who this bottle is for
  • Scotch drinkers keen to see how a fortified wine cask changes things up
  • Fans of Balvenie's honey and vanilla profile looking for something with more zip
  • Sippers who like a citrus and spice forward finish
  • Anyone building out a single malt collection with something a bit different
How to enjoy

  • Best enjoyed neat
  • A splash of water can bring out the citrus and spice
  • Great for a slower pour when you want to take your time with it

Why we curate it

The Balvenie 16 Year Old French Oak is a good one for anyone who reckons they've got Balvenie figured out. Finishing in Pineau des Charentes casks is a first for the distillery, and it shows in the glass, citrus and glazed fruit layered over that classic honey and vanilla base. Easy to enjoy whether you're deep into single malts or just branching out from your usual pour.