NV Balvenie Tun 1509 Batch 1 47.1%

This baby replaces the famous - and excellent – inceptions of Tun 1401. Less sherry, more bourbon, many more bottles, possibly a younger average age (I’m not sure at all)… and the same price or more. Why aren’t we surprised. Colour: amber. Nose: same price and same quality, this is embarrassingly successful yet again. Beehive, honey, wax, overripe apples and mangos, that kind of thing. Then old amoroso, heather honey, rose jelly, blood oranges, juicy sultanas, pollen… Gets more and more tertiary after two minutes, with cigars, pu-erh tea, earth after a summer rain. Disappointingly superb. I’d love to find bad things to write about these ‘Tuns’. Help me! Mouth: I’m afraid it works again. I’m highly disappointed. I’m about to write a letter to the Company. No, seriously, it’s a pretty perfect pack, and even if there’s a wee bit of drying oakiness/spiciness in the background, all the rest is singing loud and clear, with body and complexity. Oranges, honey, tobacco, coffee, mango chutney, a touch of ginger and even tonic water, pink grapefruits… All perfect. Almost forgot to mention ripe plums. Finish: long, with more oranges, stewed rhubarb and clove. Christmas is around the corner (hey?). Oct 2014, www.whiskyfun.com

This is a most delicate and enjoyable whisky. The various casks and decades represented each have a unique story to tell in terms of flavor and aroma that unfold with each sip - milk chocolate, toffee, vanilla, citrus peel, honey, salty pretzels, gingerbread spices, even a fragrant bouquet of spring flowers. It sounds like there's a lot going on, but each of these flavors compliments the other instead of fighting them. It's quite the treat if you can get your hands on it! www.distiller.com

This newbie from Balvenie is the worldwide replacement for the market-specific Tun 1401. A larger volume vat (8,000 liters) is now being filled with an equally eclectic mix of casks (42 casks ranging from 1970 to 1992). Deep amber; this has substance but being Balvenie, it’s gentle: orange blossom/Manuka honey edged with spice, marmalade, scented woods, and a little frangipane. The palate shows a supple, rippling power with some apricot, cinnamon, and root ginger. Awfully good. Winter 2014, Dave Broom, www.whiskyadvocate.com