Holy crap this is good scotch.

[Robb]

If you know me, you know I'm (a) a dingbat, and (b) a lover of fine booze.

If you're a single-malt scotch drinker, run, don't walk, dip into the kids' college fund if you have to, and get a bottle of 18 year-old Caol Ila.

My my my. :)

[joneschick]

1. I'm on it.

my father in law always buys me a nice single malt when he visits. He says I gave him 3 beautiful greand daughters--the least he can do is help keep me medicated. I love that man. :hi:

[darkstar]

2. Sounds good...here's my treat for a bit later....

[Robb]

3. Ooo. Haven't had that.

...Good gift? I say that because I'm off to visit the guy who brought me this bottle in a few weeks.

[darkstar]

4. Well...you might read about it

and see what you think. All I know is that it is aged in the back half in a sherry cask. I think it's a
Speyside, if you understand the lingo. In other words, I'm no expert and I'd hate to recommend a dud....

Never mind my nattering...I'm off to find a link/review:

http://www.fourseasonswine.com/121498

The Balvenie DoubleWood is a 12 year old Single Malt which gains its Distinctive Character from being matured in two woods. During its period of maturation The Balvenie DoubleWood is transferred from a Traditional Oak whisky cask to a First Fill Spanish Oak Sherry cask. Each stage lends different qualities to the resulting single malt- the traditional casks, having previously held Bourbon, soften and add character, whilst the Sherry Wood brings depth and fullness of flavour.

NOSE ~ Sweet fruit and oloroso sherry notes, layered with honey and vanilla.

TASTE ~ A smooth and mellow single malt of beautifully combined flavours - nutty sweetness, cinnamon spiciness and a delicately proportioned layer of sherry - with a long and warming finish.
Wine Enthusiast The first nosing passes discover scents of walnuts, grass and dark toffee; aromas of black tea and tobacco come to the forefront. Entry is delightfully grainy, malty and vanilla bean-bittersweet; the midpalate is silky, creamy, Sherry-sweet, pruny, black raisin-like and delicious. Ends on a medium-sweet dark chocolate note. A terrific 12 Year Old.

Cheers, dingbat.
:toast:

[RoyGBiv]

5. Most definitely not a dud ...

There is a contingent of fine scotch drinkers who feel it's not really the good stuff unless it's completely obscure, which will leave The Balvenie near the sidelines. It has become popular enough that you can find it in places where you'd normally only see Glenlivet or Glenfiddich on the top shelf.

But, The Balvenie is sublime.

There are three versions, btw. The Doublewood is excellent for those who like a bit more fruitiness. I myself prefer the 15 yr old, which is not aged in two different kinds of casks. It has a higher alcohol content and is a bit smoother, imo, and is less sweet than the Doublewood.

OnEdit: The 10 yr old is the other version. It's basically a younger breed of the 15 yr old with the standard 40% alcohol. It's more of the Glenlivet quality, good, but a bit harsh for my tastes.