Balvenie Peat Week 14 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Another Speyside distillery makes an entry into the peated category - this time using Highland peat (peated to 30ppm) said to infuse more earthy, smoky notes as opposed to the assertive medicinal / salty / maritime notes of Islay. Balvenie restarted peated runs in its own maltings in 2001 for one week a year (hence the name). Older releases are in the pipeline. This edition was matured in American oak casks, non chill filtered and bottled at 48.3% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... This expression dates from 2002, when Balvenie first produced a batch of heavily peated malt. Matured in American oak casks, the nose exhibits subtle peat balanced by honey, vanilla, and ripe red apples. On the palate, the soft smoke is well integrated with vanilla, more honey, ginger, and overripe pears. Ashy peat, citrus fruits, cinnamon, and tangy oak in the finish. An elegant peated whisky.
88 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Gavin Smith (Winter 2017)