The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14 Year Old Scotch – Review

The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

86 Proof

Price Point: $75 – $85 for 750 ML

Distiller: The Balvenie Distillery

Background

There are a lot of unconventional whiskeys out there – expressions that take a different approach and either miss the mark or create something great.  Balvenie, a distiller known for its DoubleWood whisky, has done something different with one of their whiskies; finished it in a rum cask.

I always enjoy changes of pace when it comes to whiskey (and I also enjoy rum), so I spent the money to try the Balvenie Caribbean Cask.

Review

The nose on Caribbean Cask is soft and floral, with sweet coconut from the rum barrel influence.  There is some sugar cane and maple, too – an excellent nosing Scotch once you get used to it.

Surprisingly, the taste is somewhat similar in style to other Balvenie expressions.  There is an obvious rum influence, with some coconut and vanilla present.  No smoke or peat whatsoever, and still very light in the mouth.

Really nice finish with this whisky.  Very smooth and flavorful – light and crisp.

Rating & Recommendations

Caribbean Cask is a great whisky, earning an 88 out of 100.

Unconventional aging processes are vulnerable enough to fall flat.  Lucky for Balvenie, this is not the case.  Hats off to them for perfecting the rum cask Scotch!

-Ryan