Balvenie Tun 1401

Is it worth it?

Reviewed by
Connosr member:

Onibubba

Date:

8th Sep 2012

Reviewer rating:

About this score:

The average score for this whisky is 94.

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Tasting Notes by Onibubba

This is the US release, Batch #3. First review. In the short time that I have been a member here, I keep hearing the mantra "Drink now, don't hoard." I am, however, a hoarder at heart. It's this voice telling me, "You may never find this again. It's been discontinued! It's rare! Save it!" So against all your sound advice, I had no intention of cracking open this bottle.

I bought it last weekend en route to a friend's house for a party. He was not a big whisky drinker at all, but I was so excited about my purchase that it rubbed off, and he wanted to try it. And so we did.

The next day was bittersweet. I had half a bottle of the best whisky I have ever drank, and all I could remember is "It's good!" But, at least the bottle was open. So, let's try this again. Nose: Baklava. Faint notes of bourbon and vanilla. Floral. Candied orange peel. Taste: Raw honey sucked straight through the comb - That waxy paraffin note is there for sure. Mouthfeel is thick and rich, leaving my tongue pleasingly numb. Wax and honey burn slowly all the way down. So much raw honey! Some bitterness in the finish that begs for another sip.

I asked rhetorically, is this whisky worth the price tag? 250.00 in the US. Well, I have 2 more bottles on the way. Had I not cracked this open with friends, I never would have known how good it was, and would have very much lamented not buying more when I had the chance. Is it f'ing worth it? Are you worth it? Am I worth it? Yes. Yes we are.

Whisky details

Distillery/Brand:

Balvenie

Bottling:

Balvenie Tun 1401

Region:

Speyside

ABV:

50.3%

Colour:

Old Sauternes

Balvenie Tun 1401 Is it worth it? Reviewed on 2012-09-08T04:04:00 scoring 95/100 by Onibubba

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Comments

SquidgyAsh wrote:

Sounds DELICIOUS!!! However if it's $250 USD I do believe I'd be terrified to find out what it is in AUS :D It's one of those bottles that I'd LOVE to try though!!

08 September 2012 05:11

newlad56 wrote:

Did you find it in the US? Or order it from GB? Inquiring minds want to know.

08 September 2012 19:35

Onibubba wrote:

I purchased my initial bottle locally in Nashville. The other two, from an online retailer, The Whisky Shop, in San Francisco. Normally, I would never spend this much on a single bottle. There is so much quality whisky to be had for under $100. However, this was exceptional, and I happened to be in the position now, to be able to justify it. My understanding is that the batch 3 is US only, but we are up to batch 5 or 6 at this point. When you consider the Balvine 21 at 150.00 US and the 30YO at 3000+, the Tun 1401, regardless of the version, is a bargain.

08 September 2012 23:59

newlad56 wrote:

Thanks for the great information. I'll be looking for this in my VA ABC stores. Might be able to get it in a special order.

10 September 2012 04:08

NeatNoser wrote:

I completely agree with your notes regarding Batch #3 and I personally have 8 bottles in my collection. I've opened 4-5 bottles at different tastings and all my friends rant and rave about it. I have the full collection from Batch #1 to Batch #5 and having tasted all of them, Batch #3 stands alone in the spotlight.

Regards, NeatNoser

19 September 2012 14:57

Speywatch wrote:

Onibubba, where do you shop in Nashville? I am in Huntsville and the selection here is less than spectacular. A 2 hour drive to check things out in a good store would definitely be a nice alternative than having to order everything.

That being said, I just purchased two bottles of Batch 3 online that should be arriving soon.

13 December 2012 19:54

Onibubba wrote:

3 primary stops in Nashville: Midtown Wine and Spirits, Frugal McDoogals, and Red Dog in Franklin. I would give best overall selection to Red Dog. Frugal's is cheapest by far, but smaller selection - Still worth checking out if you are in the area.

05 January 2013 03:39