In a flawless whisky marriage, Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE brings together individual casks that have matured in Traditional American and European Oak to craft an incredibly intricate and balanced expression; exemplifying the art and skill of Single Malt TUN marriages.

A whisky of exceptional character, Twenty-Five hints at our most sought-after Balvenie flavours – bold vanilla oak, crystallised ginger and sweet runny honey.

Tasting notes:

Nose: Smooth and honeyed on the nose with mellow oaky tones and hints of candied orange peel.

Taste: The initial bold vanilla oak flavours slowly dissipate to reveal layers of toasted marshmallows, fresh fruit terrine and cinnemon infused apple tart.

Finish: Exceptionally long lasting sweetness.

Tasting notes Ruben Luyten - WhiskyNotes: Score 89/100

Rare Marriages is a collection of three whiskies, launched in 2021 and designed by David Stewart, the Master Blender at The Balvenie distillery.

The series contains this Balvenie 25 Year Old but also a 30 and 40 year old version. The 25 Years is a combination of mostly American oak ex-bourbon barrels and a smaller proportion of European oak ex-Oloroso puncheons.

Nose: a good dose of honey and beehive notes, with a lovely beeswaxy side and buttercups. Juicy apricots, quince jelly, subtle pineapple and a hint of marshmallow. Candied orange peel. Mint leaves. Shortbread and creamy whiffs of vanilla custard.

Mouth: the sweet fruity core is still up front, with stewed peaches, mirabelles and some oranges, as well as the expected honeyed notes. Also a good dose of oak spice now: cinnamon and candied ginger. Hints of coconut and vanilla, mixed with floral woody touches.

Finish: medium long, with more honeyed fruits.

A really fresh and balanced composition, not unlike the Tun 1509 whiskies but with a much bigger focus on bourbon wood. Less complex, but it does highlight the naturally fruity, honeyed character of The Balvenie.