Balvenie Tun 1509 Batch 2

Valletta.Malta. I leave a business dinner and wander the streets looking for what Larry & Serge's foreboding algorithm point me towards - Streats Bar - down a flight of steps and into a dark, cavern where Sasha, looking McMafia-like and stern, hands me the menu and to my utter surprise I see this rare whiskey, alongside a bunch of others; thus this place puts so many London and New York bars to shame! However I am not overly impressed with my dram and maybe its my deep cynicism boring over this humid night that affects my taste buds for though the NOSE is welcoming and all that Jake says it is in his notes, the PALATE is disappointing: I taste sour fruit, plums long past their sell-by-date, a hint of sulphur? no that can't be, but there it is again, but I move on and enjoy the cherries; the FINISH is long all right, smooth, with a dark chocolate finish. The manager of the bars is pleased when I say what a treat it is finding this bar, but no he won't sell me his last remaining bottle. I'm listening to Joy Division and The Sound and maybe it's that melancholy feeling being away from home that won't allow me to award more than 3.5/5 stars for this legendary dram, churlish I know, but there you go, I can't separate the palate from my mental state, just like you can't separate music from the generation it was made for. Forget it, if you're in Malta, make sure you visit Streats, the best whiskey bar in the Mediterranean! Sahha!

A new favorite. It’s stunning. Even had it side by side with the 21yr port wood thanks to a generous friend. If I am lucky enough to be able to have another dram I’ll post a more thorough review but I just wanted to savor this with good company. It encapsulates everything I love about Balvenie...rich, complex, no gimmicks. Just high quality malt in high quality barrels, married together by a distiller at the height of his craft. I’d love to try other batches to see how they stack up.

Tried at Dan's Bicton tasting. Was batch 3 we had. The event organiser used everyone's $20 entry to crack a bottle for all to sample. This is the most expensive bottle I've tried at around $600. It was rich and full, with a strong burst of flavour and a spicy bite that hits at the end. Better and easier to recognise the spices at the end without being assaulted by them with a small splash of water added. Enjoyed and nice to try, didn't love it personally though

Nose- That classic honey is there with raisin oatmeal. Vanilla is present as well. Body- Incredibly smooth drink with those classic Balvenie notes of honey and raisin and plum fruit. Finish- Fresh grassiness, plum or grape peel, honeysuckle, and a hint of mint finish a delicious dram. Note- Incredibly smooth. It warms you with no alcohol bite. I like this a lot but the 1401 may still hold the title.

Sweet, sweet saviour... Apple and sherry (raisin) on the nose, with wafts of summer air and honey. The palate is full and silky, with baking spices, oak and brown sugar blended together. The finish is sherried with a touch of dark chocolate. I'm not saying this bottle is worth $750 CAD, but I am saying I'm crazy enough to fork that kind of money for this bottle. Mindblowing!

What the hell. The most amazing nose: nutmeg, rain-soaked temperate woods, white pepper, sea salt. All this and more on the palate: fresh baked sourdough bread, smoked honey, shortbread. The finish is the most spectacular of any single malt I've ever had. I can't describe it but I hope I can recall it for years to come. From tasting event, 12/17/16.