[Jojo]

OK, double checked and it was not the Rum Cask I tasted - however, I have been able to get some background information and wanted to pass along to you and all those who might have an interest. I am certainly looking forward to trying this one as it sounds simply wonderful.

Directly from our contact at The Balvenie:

David Stewart, The Balvenie Malt Master, has crafted an intense new limited edition to complement the existing range of The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whiskies. The Balvenie Rum Cask 17 Year Old was matured first in traditional oak whisky casks before spending a second period of maturation in rum casks shipped five thousand miles from Jamaica.

The long maturation in traditional oak whisky casks gives The Balvenie Rum Cask 17 Year Old characteristic Balvenie vanilla notes, while the finishing period in rum cask adds a further layer of richness, warmth and spice. The result immediately evokes the warm climes of the sugar cane growing area of the Tropics - an intensely floral and fruity nose and a beautifully sweet taste with subtle spiciness, enveloped in a gentle silky oakiness.

Balvenie Malt Master David Stewart is in no doubt that this limited edition will make an unusual treat for the whisky enthusiast. On a day when the temperature reached a mere 14oC in Speyside (compared with 28oC in Jamaica), he commented, “This is only the second time we have experimented with maturing The Balvenie in rum cask. This sweet and intense 17 year old is an exceptionally pleasurable result”.

The Balvenie 17 Year Old Rum Cask Tasting Notes:
Nose ~ a vibrant aroma with intense floral and fruity notes. Orange peel, lavender, coconut and a hint of ground nut oil.
Taste ~ Beautifully sweet, with characteristic Balvenie honey notes, vanilla, delicate fresh fruit and*subtle spices all enveloped in a gentle, silky oakiness
Finish ~ Exceptionally smooth and long lasting

**Courtesy of The Balevnie