Balvenie’s whiskies have long been heralded as the gateway to the enchanting world of single malt whisky, captivating enthusiasts with their rich flavours and impeccable craftsmanship. Earlier this year, we delved into the revered Balvenie 12 year old DoubleWood, a staple in many whisky collections. Today, we embark on a journey to discover a unique variation of this beloved dram—the "Sweet Toast of American Oak." Despite its tongue-twisting name, this expression marks one of the first creations from the talented Malt Master, Kelsey McKechnie. Inspired by the desire to enhance Balvenie's naturally sweet whisky, McKechnie opted to finish it in virgin oak barrels sourced from Kentucky.

Welcome, whisky enthusiasts, to the heartland of the Scottish whisky industry—the realm of twelve-year-old whiskies. While legally, whisky must age for a minimum of three years, it's the twelve-year mark that truly embodies the pinnacle of maturity and flavour development. This age bracket represents a sweet spot where complexity meets affordability, making it a favourite among connoisseurs and novices alike…

The Balvenie 12 year old DoubleWood gets its name from the, now commonly used, process of ‘wood finishing’. This technique was pioneered by one of Balvenie’s former Malt Master in 1980s and is something the distillery has been perfecting for a number of decades. They are, obviously, by no means the only distillery using this technique but as you’ll find out below, they may well be doing it better than the others…