Balvenie 14yo – The Week of Peat

Balvenie 14yo – The Week of Peat

Region: Speyside

ABV: 48.3%

Price: £79.95 

This is part of The Balvenie Stories range. We will let David Stewart of Balvenie explain the series:

‘Stories are the lifeblood of the Balvenie distillery. They make up the fabric of who we are and what we do. The Balvenie Stories collection tells these tales in liquid form, giving whisky drinkers across the globe a special glimpse into the unique and very human nature of how we produce our whisky. Each expression in the collection reflects this by telling its own story via first-hand accounts and recollections of the many people involved.’

This release is named after the one week each year when the distillery makes peated malt. It is made up of whisky matured for 14 years in traditional oak casks and is bottled without chill filtration. No official outturn has been stated.

Nose

The nose opens a little tight, with savoury notes of fresh pasta and sourdough bread. The peat comes across as very medicinal: antiseptic, chlorine, vinegar, and iodine. As it opens up there is also wet earth, swamp water, peanuts with caramel syrup, and a faint hint of onions. The alcohol spice is noticeable as a little black pepper.

Palate

The palate opens with a pleasant, peppery warmth from the alcohol, alongside sugar syrup, iodine, butterscotch, tar and earth. A light citrus sweetness joins in, with a roasted coffee note on the medium-length finish. The mouthfeel is a bit thin for the ABV. It feels a little one-dimensional and tastes younger than its 14 years.

Nose (with water)

The reduced nose has taken on a meatier peat profile, think burnt Parma ham, though a hint of medicinal peat (TCP) remains. It is less savoury now and slightly sweeter, with notes of golden syrup, candy floss, and marshmallows.

Palate (with water)

The mouthfeel has improved with reduction, the peat has intensified, and the palate gains a breadiness. The finish remains relatively unchanged. It is also more floral, with lavender and bluebells. It’s feels a little older now and overall water has added a little more complexity.

Conclusion

We usually prefer cask strength drams, but as this needs a little water to open up, the lower ABV may be the right call. With a touch of dilution there is a pleasant, smoky Speysider to enjoy. It will not change your life, but it offers enough interest for a 7.

Score: 7/10

Value

We think this is a little expensive, but the good news is that if you are patient you can occasionally pick it up in a sale.

• 10 - Perfection. One in a million
• 9 - Outstanding. Exceptional whisky.
• 8 - Great. Would seek this out.
• 7 - Good. Quality whisky.
• 6 - Above average. Happy to have a dram.
• 5 - Average. Drinkable whisky.
• 4 - Below average. Passable.
• 3 - Flawed. Noticeable negatives.
• 2 - Defective. Significant faults.
• 1 - Offensive. Pour it out.

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