Whiskey Vault Ep: 120 Balvenie Doublewood 12 Single Malt Review/Tasting with Aberlour 12 Cameo

Today we do a review tasting of Balvenie Doublewood 12 from the Balvenie Distillery.

[@bialeader]

My whiskey list gets longer and longer with each video. Thanks for the great content!

[@WhiskeyVault]

Strangely, ours too.

[@MeTaLISaWeSoMe95]

Not gonna lie, this channel is the #1 reason why I spend so much on booze XD Worst part is that I don't even drink often (2-3 drinks a month), I just love the history, appeal and the bottles lol

[@oskarimagga387]

Oh, so you can hook me up? :)

[@zegson9809]

man you are not alone ;p i have the same :)

[@johnw218]

Ralfy and these chaps my main guides through the whiskey shelves .

[@alfredoalvarado9978]

I’m on the same boat, lol!! I own about 50 bottles and only drink about 2-3 times a month!!

[@Technolgy2]

when daniel liked this comment he was sat behind his keyboard cackling about how great his whiskey marketing skills are

[@danielbileci4060]

The cork twist for the 'beeps' is a fitting addition. Keep up the great work!

[@Mercutio01]

The Balvenie Doublewood 12 is my favorite Speyside so I'm glad you guys covered it.

[@WhiskeyVault]

It's a true classic.

[@tobelieve627]

Omg it’s good! Love of first sight. I really liked the glenmorangie 10, but this is better!

[@nickclark49]

Went to a Balvenie tasting dinner recently...the Balvenie Rep was there to walk us through the different Balvenie's paried with certain foods...when presenting the DoubleWood the Rep asked...Does anyone here know what DoubleWood stands for...long pause...when one man raised his hand. He said Yes Sir...DoubleWood means taking TWO BLUE PILLS...the place fell apart laughing...

[@cecilchristopher2996]

🤣🤣

[@Mountain.man85]

Balveni got me into my whisky journey! I absolutely love it!

[@manicblueberry607]

You both have helped me find my favorite whiskey. Thank you so much.

[@gabiromilk]

Which one? :)

[@HIMcules2112]

i just recently discovered this channel and have learned so much about Whiskey. i love it. very informative entertaining and very funny. Thank you.

[@WhiskeyVault]

Thanks for watching!

[@timfoote6919]

Huge bourbon fan. was recommended this by an old guy at my local liquor store. Not one to argue with age and experience. I took his advice. MY GOD! This doublewood is magnificent! It is so unique and interesting. Easy sipper. Delicious and really happy with my purchase!

[@amitinvillanova]

You guys should really start a stand up comedy show.......More than a valuable knowledge you provide us in the world of single malt, I always end up falling off my chair laughing...The real difference between you and the millions of you tubers is you guys are so genuine about everything. So BRAVO !

[@ashwinsonavane]

Hey Guys, I have been relatively new to your channel. Actually my first episode of yours was when Modern Rogue guys had come to learn about the Whisk(e)y. I have been hooked to your channel since then. . My Favorite is J & B Rare but I also enjoy Glenlivet 12 and Chivas Regal 12. You guys are so much Fun! Keep up the good work... Cheers !

[@louiejones4092]

that's the first scotch I ever tried and still my favorite out of the 10 or so distillery's I've tried.

[@bryanlushbough659]

Great video guys! Thanks for delving into my request and question. Also, kudos to Daniel for pronunciation, people tend to butcher my last name.

[@alanjbennett3733]

Balvenie Double wood is one of my favourite whisky's of all time

[@arieboyer]

"You're a footnote in my life" My new favorite insult for people I sorta love.

[@HIMcules2112]

had me rolling

[@jevanj1]

New subscriber in Japan. I enjoy your humor. Lots of good info too. Was going to ask you to do a review of Balvenie Doublewood, but stumbled upon the video. Thanks! My whisky buddy that is in charge of water quality at Yamazaki turned me on to Balvenie. He says it's his personal favorite single malt, and gave me a bottle. I must agree. Looking forward to watching more videos in your archive. Keep it up!

[@WhiskeyVault]

That is awesome! We love Japanese whisky as well. Such amazing stuff they're doing over there.

[@KatiePhongh]

The Balvenie Doublewood is always on my bar, along with Glenmorangie Nector D'Or, GlenDronach 12 and my special occasion bottle is McCallan 18 Gran Reserva. I also keep a bottle of Monkey Shoulder in case someone asks for a Scotch and soda.

[@WhiskeyVault]

I don't think there's a bad choice in this list.

[@Martybum]

I realise this video is from a while back, but I was able to also compare these two whisky's side-by-side recently and realised that while they do taste similar, they are made by a distinctly different process. I already knew the Balvenie was only finished in sherry casks for 9 months after a full 12-year maturation in ex-bourbon casks. I always assumed the same was true for this version of Aberlour, but it is in fact whisky that has been matured separately in ex-bourbon casks and ex-sherry casks for 12 years and then married together. Hence why the Aberlour has a far stronger sherry character. I do agree with you guys that the Balvenie is a tad more subtle and complex, especially on the finish.

[@MartinMcClellanGT]

Welcome to the Whiskey Vault!! ❤️

[@jasonbrown8697]

Number six on my road to whisky is the belvinie 15 year single sherry barrel cask # 7683 bottle # 273 47.8% ...coming off the heels of lagavulin 16 this is heaven!!!! Thank you speyside!!!! I am a sherry cask fan thank you very much. I havent had any highland or lowland yet.. love this single barrel thing.. cheers!!

[@drinkingenthusiast8038]

Hey guys! great channel ! cheers from montreal,canada!

[@Christian_from_Copenhagen]

This whisky was a revelation to me years ago. Special place in my heart!

[@misinformedmarti]

My first endeavor into drinking was with a 12 year Oban, but eventually I couldn't find it anymore. When that happen I swapped to Balvenie Doublewood 12 and have never looked back. Love that Scotch completely.

[@Gregolian]

My dad was gifted a Balvenie I think 21 like 15 MAYBE 20 years ago. There's still half of the contents left. Really wish I could have taken it with me when I moved from WA to Utah for a job. That said, I love the Balvenie bottle. I know Ardgeb and Laphroaig among other companies have very similar old school looking bottles but the Balvenie was the first one I ever saw and it's iconic to me for that reason I think.

[@hero2006]

Great video. Currently sipping on Balvenie 14 Caribbean Cask.

[@stormybadtype1diabetic244]

I picked this up today as my "intro to something more complex than a sweet whiskey" whiskey, and this is amazing. The spices in it are absolutely perfect for my taste buds. And at 67 USD it isn't too expensive IF you value you're whiskey. Try it out if you like the sweet spicy whiskeys. Edit: I've only been subbed for a few weeks, but your guys' opinion is highly respected by me so I searched this up and very glad to see you guys feel the same way. This whiskey is nice... As fuck

[@CarefreeRambler]

Darn, $109 in Ontario. Spent long time on Macallan 12. This one is better.

[@Beechhill]

I miss being able to scout bottles on the shelves in the new vault. Those Deanstons and Glenfarclas are making me thirsty!

[@jashayou]

I just picked up the Balvinie 17 doublecask. Would love to see you guys do a review of the 17. Thanks!

[@amal-ti2zz]

Thanks guys, you helped me appreciate this one. Typically, I don't like speysides At All. When i first tasted the Balvenie it came off to me much as the Glenlivet 12 or Macallan- kind of honeyed, pear and honeysuckle- sweet, balanced and kinda boring. But as you pointed out the sherry red fruit, the earthyness, the mild peat like smoke in the background (even though its a spey) I came to appreciate it much more

[@jb4948]

I was able to do this same comparison today. You two nailed the differences, the Abelour being more highly sherried and the Balvenie delivering a lot more from the wood. The Balvenie seems to be a more rounded expression with flavors/aromas that fade in and out with lovely transitions. The Abelour 12 delivers on the sherry for sure. If you are looking to really understand what sherry contributes to a whisky, look towards the Abelour. If you already know what sherry adds to your scotch, then Balvenie is a more complex, rounder dram where you will find your sherry nestled in a more complex expression of wood and spice. Both are terrific. Thanks guys for keeping this so entertaining!!!

[@elenakarantagli3986]

Wow! Really spot on descriptions of both!

[@BigDudditz]

Thanks for the Videos. I watch, Listen and Learn then go out and spend a lot of money on the whisky's you guys show. And I love them all. You guys Rock. Keep making these funtastic little shows. Thanks

[@iangreen6121]

Hi again guys Cheers for the Abelour 12 review and the mention in episode. I do understand how tastes vary, my whisky buddy is a bourbon preferre. Still trying to sway him. Much love for the mention, I'll comment again soon once my own vault is replenished.

[@iangreen6121]

Actually, auchentoshen, thoughts? Opinions?

[@WhiskeyVault]

Auchentoshan is freaking awesome. The 12 is my preferred, but the Triple Wood is fantastic.

[@michaelh7681]

Literally just PCSd into San Antonio, found this video after buying my own bottle. Also, found out y'all are in Austin, expect me to visit and attend a class! Subscribed and following!!

[@travissmith345]

Aim High, bro!

[@seanharrison9171]

my dad passed away recently and Balvenie Doublewood 12 was his favorite. thanks so much for this. in a weird way this was really nice

[@WhiskeyVault]

Sorry to hear, Sean. You have our condolences and a glass raised in his honor.

[@ETJakaEli]

Its nice cus you know that he had good taste xD

[@grossepatatedamour]

I remember when i started to drink whiskey and i got a aberlour 12 bottle as a gift and it just kicked my ass around and they drink it and find it very sweet.

[@ShredZ23]

The sweetest whiskey I've ever tried was TX whiskey

[@AleksGutierrez]

Rex, Daniel... I liked you before; but I've found new respect for both of ya haha

[@ericmatson7339]

Just got the Aberlour added to the bar have the Balvenie and like that one, will have to compare the two as you did, maybe blind taste test... looks like something to do tonight thanks Great job guys

[@WhiskeyVault]

Taste tests are never a bad thing.

[@jenmac287]

My very first scotch purchase was the balvenie double woods. Nice...

[@dtotheatothevtothee]

This one is great...got a bottle for Xmas!

[@raymondmota2776]

Great video as always guys. The wife and I usually 1-2 times a week walk over to our favorite bar/restaurant had have 2-3 adult beverages. I've been trying a new whiskey every time. I don't remember but I wanna say I tried the balvenie 12. I consider myself still very new to whiskey. I nosed it and thought oh man this is gonna hurt then I took a sip and was pleasantly surprised at how smooth it actually was. Tonight I believe we're going again so I thought I'd try the red breast 12 or should I try the macallan I'll probably do both but I thought I'd ask for your expertise. Have an awesome day guys.

[@WhiskeyVault]

The Balvenie 12 is their Doublewood, right? It's extremely friendly. Try redbreast for something totally different, or Macallan for something very similar.

[@druid4407]

Thanks for videos like this! You guys are single handily helping me buy whiskey. I’m new to whiskey but my education grows watching you guys thanks!

[@GamingWithMaks]

Aberlour 12 double cask was the first proper whisky that I tried at my friend's place once. But before that moment, I never knew that any whisky can be that smooth and actually be pleasant to drink because before I tried the Aberlour I got some cheap whisky like Ballantines and it always upset my stomach and it just wasn't pleasant in my opinion. So I recommend the buy for this whisky.

[@dezzin]

Greetins from Greece!!! Quick question just from your experience is it worth the extra mile and go for the Doublewood 17?

[@danlepine9761]

The fiancé and I are going to split a bottle of the 17 year old double wood next week wish you had a review on that next to the 12 year.

[@HerbsmanRevs]

One I always keep in, lovely cheap-ish whisky at £38

[@Joah132]

This is an old video... However, absolutely hilarious. I also got super hungover from drinking Bulleit bourbon and not paying attention while playing GTA, glad I'm not the only one!

[@hulkslayer626]

Just picked up a bottle of Aberlour for $40. I love to look up all my new purchases on this channel lol

[@Tokayo]

Got the Tasting Collection ! The Doublewood 17 is very good a tad too sweet towards the end but thats why you have to refill the cup before you get there lol

[@4syth]

"You're a footnote in my life".... absolutely priceless lol.

[@robsparrow]

I’m new to whiskey drinking. This is my favourite whiskey 🥃 why?

[@corysimmons254]

You guys need to do the Balvenie Caribbean cask 14 if you haven't already done so.

[@marcwhiskey]

Seeing this now. Oh the times have changed for Rex's preferences.

[@johndeveau9359]

Entertaining as usual! Two of my very first bottles and still two of my favorites?

[@WhiskeyVault]

Yes!

[@imoffett]

Well that was a fun ride can't wait for the next one.

[@richna9568]

Balvinie was my Grandfathers favorite, he used to call it "baby tear drops of Jesus." I wish he didn't pass away before I was old enough to enjoy a dram with him. Here's to you GPA! Cheers.

[@nundur]

i found the Double Wood a disappointment... At first, but after 3-4 sips it really opened up and is now one of my favorites. although you might want to start with another whisky just to acclimate your palate so you wont have to take 3-4 sips before it shows its true nature. eating green olives enhances the Double Wood imo :D

[@JohnStone616]

Cracking up at the footnote throw at night beside my spouse sleeping :'D

[@caohongphuc5284]

i wish you guys would do the Balvenie 14 year

[@scottkashuba3476]

Rex needs to compliment the ceremonial mooch necklace by adding a Championship Sommelier Belt a la the WWE. Back to the real subject of the site, do the experts think that independent whisk(e)y blenders, like Compass Box or Duncan Taylor, produce juice that is as good or even better than the distilleries themselves.

[@WhiskeyVault]

Pure genius. We answered this comment on camera when we shot today. should air next week!

[@Yippification]

Love the Balvenie 12yr Doublewood. It's my go to daily drink on my wall of 30 whisk(e)ys. Love your vids. Keep up the good work. Could you do a comparison of the Balvenie 12yr Doublewood and the Macallan Double Cask 12yr? Both are from Speyside, aged in 2 different barrels/casks, 12 years matured and arguably two of the most well known Speyside distilleries.

[@WhiskeyVault]

That would be tasty! I'll add it to the options.

[@bonokat]

I decided to try Balvenie DW again after watching this video. I cannot imagine that you think they taste the same. I like the Aberlour 12 and mostly hate the doublewood, still. Have you had Balvenie Triple Cask? It's the only Balvenie I've ever liked.

[@nate-otero]

Hey guys I just got the balvenie 12 single barrel as a gift and I’m loving it would love to hear your opinion

[@thomassmith5349]

Well I REALLY like the Aberlour so I guess I need to try the Balvenie

[@navneet.sehdev]

I tried it and love it balvenie 12y double wood. Thanks for the video

[@JustinWomackMusic]

Nice Tom Lehrer reference, Dan

[@WhiskeyVault]

Nice catch! Love that guy.

[@budmathewspodcast]

My favorite scotch

[@bigfudge20]

How does Balvenie 12 Doublewood compare to like Glenfiddich 12? Is it similar at all? I've had Glenfiddich 12 a couple times and didn't like it as much as some others. I want to try a good Highland/island scotch, I've had several of the islay ones, but I would like to branch out a bit. Right now, I'm deciding between Talisker 10 and Balvenie 12 Doublewood! Great review by the way!

[@boothy100100]

I’d say balvenie is one of my top whiskies. Is there any other whiskies out there just like this?

[@MessengerOnline]

Wow you guys have changed, uh, developed a LOT over the years.

[@Rose.Of.Hizaki]

I have had the Double Wood 12 for three years but I was never too keen on it. Its not that it tasted bad or anything. but to me it lacked personality and just seemed extremely plain so its been sitting at the back of my collection collecting dust till last night after someone suggested that i should give it a swirl and let it breath. And so I did... Gave it a good swirl and nursed a glass for a while and I came back to the exact same conclusion as I did back when i first opened and tasted it 3 years ago. While letting it breath did help some of the flavours come out. There was still nothing exciting about it. I nursed a few more glasses of the stuff hoping that it would get better as I went along but it never did. My friend whose family own a brewery and is very big on whisky and I went out one night and one of the pubs we stopped by had a bottle of the double wood 12 so I invited him to try it. We both came to the same conclusion that it was nothing special. Ive been given a chance to get the Balvenie 17 for cheap but Im quite hesitant given how much I enjoyed the double wood 12

[@JasonFisk]

I have both and prefer the Balvenie, too. About to try the Lagavulin 8 and the Dalmore Cigar Malt... Later

[@WhiskeyVault]

You are about to live the good life.

[@vivhosking]

What was your take on the dalmore?

[@nycmalu1]

Can you do a video about the "staples" of the whisky community? You mentioned that phrase in the Macallan 12 advent calender video, and I realized I don't know what any of them are. So far, I've tried Macallan 12, a bunch of the Glen fiddich/livet/morangie but don't remember exactly which, Lagavulin 16 (my current favorite), Ardbeg 10 (least favorite), Oban 14, etc. But I haven't tried Highland Park, or Dalmore. Those are definitely on my list, but are there any more in that "can't go wrong" level class that you recommend?

[@ianbeaulieu9822]

Balvenie 10 year old single malt double wood scotch is my favorite.

[@Mmalmkvist96]

Would you please give your opinion on the Balvenie tripple cask 12yr which I have found to be one of my favourites

[@Chris_Keep]

What's the most expensive whisky in the vault? Also would love you to do a video on edradour 10, keep up the great work guys

[@WhiskeyVault]

I'll add it in! Right now the most expensive is the Macallan M. Around $4k-ish?

[@erikdelaney1016]

Balvenie is clearly superior although Arberlour is quite good. B12 seems brighter while the A12 seems a bit sour and a tad dull even after adding water to B12 to get ABV the same. B12 nose really distinguishes itself with a nicer nose. No mistakes just better choices here.

[@manuelbanda7492]

Hi guys, great video. Now that you're talking about Balvenie 12 DW, I want to know your opinion about Glenlivet 18 offering more quality-flavor than Balvenie 12 DW since I consider them being in a similar flavor profile. I had them side by side and I didnt feel like buying another Glenlivet 18, despite being considered a great whisky by many experts, i just dont see it. Btw, I would really like you to make a Balblair review. Cheers.

[@WhiskeyVault]

I just got in the Balblair 02! It's awesome. I think I likely prefer the doublewood Balvenie to the 18 Glenlivet. It's very good, but I don't find it to be twice as good as the price tag would suggest.

[@manuelbanda7492]

Wizard Academy great! I got 2 bottles of the balblair 02' and I also think it's excepcional. Cheers.

[@BA-hk3ct]

Might be interesting to compare to the Glendronach 12

[@Gabriel-vi7nl]

2:40 They list levels of commonality. What is beyond the commonality of the Macallan and the others they mentioned?

[@TheBioethicist]

Episode idea! Smoke bomb: Compare Bruichladdich Port Charlotte, a Laphroaig, and an Ardbeg

[@WhiskeyVault]

Hell yes.

[@melberber79]

I prefer the 17..so smooth, zero burn

[@kingpin911000]

Hey guys can you please review the balvenie 14 caribbean cask????

[@tobelieve627]

Buy the sample set from Costco, it has both. I like both, Caribbean has more raisin flavor in the scent, but I personally like 12 better.

[@jaysmoon]

I've used the Aberlour 12 to introduce my fellow Canadian non-whisky drinkers... "I don't drink whisky just Rye and cokes!"...to the wonders of the whisky world. Never ever had a complaint!

[@WhiskeyVault]

Well done, you. Doing your part for the whisky kingdom.

[@lippy22]

Nice Tom Lehrer reference with the Masochism tango.

[@specteractual1]

today has been a good day. made some pickled eggs made it to episode 120 in 6 days and got the Jamison triple pack with regular, cask stout and black barrel

[@WhiskeyVault]

A man of persistence and means.

[@MrDeadSea777]

The Black Barrel is a staple in my house.

[@theotherdj1]

These guys are great but very surprised to hear peat referenced at all in reference to Aberlour or Balvenie

[@michaelbeck3963]

Spends only 2 months in the sherry casks , make for a nice finish without too much sweet 😁

[@cvpxballer]

To your point Daniel, there are mixed drinks that are entirely alcohol. For example, the Manhattan, Bourbon, Vermouth, Bitters, all alcohol, no sugar.

[@WhiskeyVault]

Yes! I love a damn good martini, and I never have any of the reactions I do with weird sugary drinks.

[@johnwpelfrey]

I’m with you you I hate mixed drinks drink the damned tiger to start with! I love the original reality. I also agree about the hangover. If I stay neat and drink a decent scotch I don’t have a hangover. Apart from that I recently aged some whiskey I wish I would have paid more attention to because IT’S AMAZING! If you would like to taste it let me know and I will send y’all some (providing you give me you address) salute carry on my brave whisk(e)y masters

[@ThjyuGaming]

just turned 21 this year, my first buy was the Aberlour 12 Single Malt Double Cask and I actually love it. I was at a shop specializing in UK things and I wanted to get something not too expensive but still nice. I got this and loved it immediately. Any time that ive had shitty Jim Beam or Jack Daniels after Ive had this, i just feel like i have to power through the shitty bottom shelf stuff and i dont enjoy it. Maybe used in a mixed drink but otherwise id rather just go with some shitty vodka over shitty whiskey. At least the shitty vodka gets me drunk quick haha

[@WhiskeyVault]

Yeah, no need to go to the bottom if you don't want to .. wink wink nod nod

[@stringchild]

A good Margarita with good Tequila and fresh lime and salted glass. Make it at home. Proper Martini with Bombay Sapphire will also do you right! Good Good Good. Love my whisky too. Cheers Men!

[@jasonkleschult9118]

Can you do a review of Forty Creek Canadian Whisky. Either the regular Barrel Select, or the Copper Pot?

[@WhiskeyVault]

I've got both on the list!

[@jasonbrown8697]

I've moved onto bottle four of my road to whisky and it is single barrel 12 year first fill ex bourbon barrel, cask 8375 bottle 77. After that abelour abunadh as my 2 and 3 on my road I am thinking that I am going to have a hard time finding such a mouthful of flavour being cask strength. I think I'm chasing a rare dragon when it comes to availability lol.. the balvenie has not been opened yet ...give me about 15 min lol.

[@jasonbrown8697]

It was ggooooooooddddd

[@hawaii7569]

I have been drinking whisk(e)y for over a year and still havent tried one from this distillery. Need to change that.

[@duckcc73]

The random call out for "The Masochism Tango" made me giggle.

[@jdion79]

after a week of watching your channel, i decided to challenge myself. at one of my local dives this was their most expensive single. i'm glad i took the plunge. unfortunately, i only caught apple notes. however, i'm glad i was able to even catch any notes in general. caught candy apple, sour apple straw and apple cider. yeah, yeah, yeah... all apple based. stupid brain.

[@johnfreitas7851]

So I have been a bourbon guy as long as I can remember wild turkey 101 and old forester 100 are my go to … that being said I finally decided to branch out because of this channel I started with monkey shoulder and now the Double wood ! I’m a convert

[@twdietri]

How does the Double-wood 12 and the Caribbean Cask 14 compare? Does the rum cask finish make an already sweet whisky too sweet?

[@WhiskeyVault]

The rum is much sweeter. I prefer the doublewood 12

[@tobelieve627]

@@WhiskeyVault not too much sweeter on the rum cask finish, but I much prefer the finish of 12.

[@Beeblebrox42]

Went to the Balvenie tasting here in Dallas last Saturday. Tried the 12yr &17yr double casks in Sherry and a 14 yr double cask in Rum. I preferred 'The Balvenie - Caribbean Cask'.

[@WhiskeyVault]

Good choice! That tasting sounds awesome.

[@1964TP]

I was not a fan of the Caribbean cask. The rum notes didn't taste right in whisky.

[@matthyde2861]

Beeblebrox42 I love the Balvenie 21yr I believe it’s aged in a port wine barrel. It was my first Balvenie to ever try and I have been obsessed ever since!

[@HaeschenHarakiri]

We had many sherry finished whiskys but what would be about one with a port Finish? I like the Port finish the times i tasted them!

[@WhiskeyVault]

The Angel's Envy Port finish bourbon is amazing. The Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban is as well. We did a video on that a bit back.