A while ago, Mark Gillespie of WhiskyCast fame invited us over to partake in a Virtual Tasting. While the tasting alone would have been more than sufficient, he provided me with a lovely parting gift in the form of a sample of the second batch of Balvenie’s Tun 1401. This was a well-received gift as I really like Balvenie and have commented on more than one occasion that the DoubleWood is a gateway or table Scotch. The Tun 1401 is a limited edition series prepared by Master Distiller David Stewart and named after his favorite marrying tun.
- Appearance: Light amber with good lacing.
- Aroma: A little bit astringent with hints of rubber, pineapples and toffee.
- Taste: Very heavy with the alcohol and a little bit of wood smoke. With water, the alcohol recedes and a balance of the fruit (now more of candied citrus – lemons, oranges) and spices from the wood takeover and lead into a nice, long finish
- ABV: 50.6%
I found this to be a very complex whisky. And, given the ABV, I have to recommend adding water as the flavors really come alive once the alcohol has been pushed to the background. All I can add is that any time Mark needs an extra panelist, I hope he calls upon me!
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