The Balvenie Doublewood
Type: spirits
Artist: [No Artist Given]
Release: [No Release Date Given]
Reviewer: Bryan
My first real bottle of Scotch, I brought it bottle to a neighbor's apartment, so we could toast his moving out. I didn't know about either his secret collection of fine scotch, or the low-end reputation of my bottle.
Though $40, The Balvenie Doublewood couldn't compete with his 15- and 21-year Balvenies, or the Islay syrup that knocked my dick in the dirt.
Still, I know flavors. Acquired tastes have always come easy to me: cigars, wine, pate, etc. After a night of eight scotches, I felt my Balvenie Doublewood stood up pretty well. Most impressive was its flexibility: straight & neat, with water and/or ice, the Doublewood remained smooth and complex. 50/50 scotch and water mixtures didn't dilute the character, but make it easier to swallow. In the face of all those pedigreed whiskeys, Balvenie's two-cask Scotch distinguished itself.
How does it taste? For beginners, simply brown and quite alcoholic.
But over the last few weeks, I've noticed spice. And earthiness. Like rum, but totally without bite. Like something a cold mountain people might enjoy, because it's the complete opposite of sugary Continental cheer (kir, schnapps, and Ouzo). Have you ever tried a weird English dessert or tobacco, and felt shocked at how much you actually enjoyed the deep turdlike flavor? I've discovered good Scotch is like a warm hug from an ugly, eccentric professor who you once despised and publicly ridiculed. Yet once he got you into his office, and had a chance to win you over, you found you liked him. And of course you couldn't tell anyone.
That's the relationship each person must form with Scotch, if they are to enjoy it. Get personal with Balvenie Doublewood. Give it a chance, listen to it. If you think you might enjoy it, get over the oh-my-god-this-is-straight-liquor panic, and concentrate on what you do like.
posted by Bryan on 9/10/04 at 1:01 pm
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