The Balvenie 18 Years Pedro Ximénez Cask
Travel Exclusive Single Malt Scotch Whisky
48.7% ABV
$250
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What the Distiller Says
The Balvenie Pedro Ximénez Cask whisky is a lively and summery single malt finished in casks which previously held Pedro Ximénez sherry.
Sherry is a popular cask type in Scotch Whisky, and this is the second sherry finished expression in The Balvenie range of finishes.
The first and second cask
First cask: American Oak
Maturation in traditional American Oak whisky barrels mellows the maturing spirit and imparts warming layers of honey and vanilla.
Second cask: PX Butts
Finishing in Pedro Ximénez butts, creates a fusion of sweet lavender, mandarin, fig and subtle clove.
A sweet climate
Pedro Ximénez is a white Spanish wine grape variety grown in several Spanish wine regions. The heat of the sun ripening the vines leads to a wine of intense, dessert-like sweetness.
The result
Finishing in Pedro Ximénez Sherry butts creates a fusion of sweet lavender, mandarin, fig and subtle clove.
What Gary Says
Nose: Creamy, dark fruits including raisins, currants, dates, figs and spiced, stewed plums; hint of sulfur, smoke and a vegetal note.
Palate: Fruity with raisins, dates, blood orange, toffee and chili spice.
Finish: Long and slightly drying with smoke, fruit and pepper spice.
Comments: Really interesting dram. It isn’t smokey per say, but the nose has more sulfur than I expected (not a lot, but wasn’t expecting any). While not hot at 48.7%, I preferred this with a few drops of water, which thickened the mouthfeel nicely and tamps some of the spice notes a bit.