Balvenie Peat Week 14 Year 2002

I’m a huge fan of peated whisky from around the world, and I’ve always enjoyed a dram of Balvenie, so when I came across a bottle of the Balvenie Peat Week I immediately snatched it up. 

One week a year Balvenie uses 100% highland peat to dry the barley. Unlike the pungent iodine notes exuded from Islay peat, Highland peat imparts earthy and woody smoke notes. What you end up with is the sweet honey and maltiness of Balvenie with a unique touch of character from the peat.

From Balvenie:

The Balvenie Peat Week Aged 14 Years (2002 Vintage) is a single vintage bottling, limited and rare by nature. This non-chill filtered expression is bottled at 48.3% ABV and matured solely in American Oak casks, providing a velvety and round taste with woody peat smoke balancing oaky vanilla and honey.

BOTTLE INFO

Distiller: Balvenie
Region: Speyside
ABV: 48.3%
Outturn: 3,000 bottles
Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask Type: American oak
Age: 14 Years
Chill Filtered: No
Color Added: No
Color: Burnished

TASTING NOTES

Glass for Review: Glencairn
Nose: Fruity, tropical. Pineapple, citrus, and pears. A very light waft of smoke comes through at the end. The nose reminds me of Caribbean Cask, with a hint of smoke.
Palate: Floral and citrus burst as soon as it hits your tongue, then transitioning to a honey and malty sweetness complemented by peat and oaky notes.
Finish: The finish is bursting with more tropical notes. The peat really comes out in the end, but not overwhelming. Spice and bourbon-vanilla are well balanced with the peat and leaves a lingering taste having you wanting another sip.
Overall: A nice new interpretation on peat, and a unique expression from Balvenie that stands out from the typical lineup. Even at 30ppm, the peat doesn’t overpower the sweetness of the typical Balvenie, but complements it well. This dram is well balanced, and definitely a go-to when you want something lighter but still has touch of peat!

Average Price: $100 USD