Balvenie 15 Year Old

Nose: A strong sensation of Maple Vanilla Cream (like smelling that variety of North American doughnut), plus some actual cinnamon (rather than the commonly confused nutmeg-- although that is present, too). On a follow-up breath, you can pick out some tart mandarin.

Palate: Not the best part of the whole experience, unless you gulp fast. Starts with an acidic citrus tang, turns to wood and peppercorn, then finally into much more pleasant flavors of vanilla and nutmeg. A little toffee shows up, too.

Finish: After an initially bitter palate, there is a welcome return to the mellow components of the nose: vanilla cream/marshmallow, nutmeg, nougat, maple. Medium length, becoming a little more acidic towards the end.

This Scotch is obviously a step up from its younger popular sibling, the Double Wood (but not at the level of the 21 Port Wood). The high points are the nose and finish, which hold the promise of great smoothness; the palate disappoints in comparison. The main complaint is the acidic character, which is most prominent when tasting but apparent at all stages. This is another good malt, of the light/toffee/nutmeg variety, that entices but nevertheless sends me back to the Auchentoshan Three Wood.

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