Balvenie Thirty 30 Year Old, Sherry Oak & Traditional Oak Cask, 47.3%

Honeyed oak and dried fruit give it a clear centre, while oloroso sherry, dark caramel and malted milk bring a richer, rounded side. The waxy, warming palate sounds substantial without losing sweetness, and the long finish keeps oak and dried-fruit richness in view. That measured interplay is what makes it appealing to me: layered, but anchored by a clear thread of sweetness.

Reviewed by maple_pebble

Nose

Honeyed oak, Dried fruit, Resinous sweetness

Palate

Waxy and warming, Honey, Oloroso sherry, Dark caramel, Malted milk, Christmas pudding

Finish

Long, sweet and honeyed, Lingering oak, Dried-fruit richness