
Balvenie 25 Years
Overview
Balvenie 25 Years is a distinct blended malt whisky, primarily crafted from the renowned Balvenie distillery, augmented by a touch from a neighboring distillery. This unique bottling, part of K&L's exclusive Faultline series, showcases the elegance of mature whisky while maintaining affordability compared to its official counterparts.
Specs at a glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Style | Blended Malt Scotch |
| ABV | 102.8 proof |
| Mashbill | 100% malted barley |
| Release Info | Selected by K&L for their Faultline series in 2024; aged in a single sherry hogshead cask. |
| Age | 25 years |
Good to know
This whisky utilizes a practice known as "teaspooning," which blends a small amount of whisky from another distillery to legally label it as a blended malt. This allows whisky enthusiasts to enjoy premium flavors at a fraction of the cost of official releases.
Tasting notes
- Nose: Inviting aromas of pear, dry oak tannin, honeydew melon, vanilla, and wildflowers.
- Palate: A rich experience with a sharp bite from the higher ABV, revealing creamy notes of peaches in vanilla syrup and chilled baked nectarine.
- Finish: A lingering combination of oak tannins, melon, and vanilla, with a harmonious warmth that enhances the complexity.
Notable details
- Production: Bottled at cask strength, without chill filtering or added color, allowing for pure flavor expression.
- Lineage: Balvenie distillery is celebrated for its high-quality single malts, and the teaspooning technique adds an intriguing layer to this offering.
- Comparison: Often viewed as a more affordable alternative to the official Balvenie 25 Year, which can retail around $700.
- Availability: Exclusively available through K&L, making it a sought-after find for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Serving suggestions
Best enjoyed neat or with a splash of water to unlock its vibrant fruit flavors and balance the initial sharpness.
“Adding water significantly improves the balance and enjoyment.” – The Right Spirit
Closing
With its complex profile and thoughtful production, Balvenie 25 Years stands as a testament to the art of whisky-making, perfect for those who appreciate depth and character in their pours.
Sources
[1] The Right Spirit – “The Huntley (Balvenie) Blended (teaspooned) Malt Whisky – Aged 25 Years!”, Oct 2025