The Balvenie 26 year old ‘A day of Dark Barley’ Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700mL

The Balvenie 26 year old ‘A day of Dark Barley’ Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700mL

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The Balvenie 26 year old ‘A day of Dark Barley’ Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700mL

The Balvenie 26 year old ‘A day of Dark Barley’ Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700mL

No day is ever quite the same at The Balvenie. But on this day a significant change took place when head maltman Robbie Gormley prepped the team for a one off batch of roasted, dark malt barley to be added to the mash.

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This expression harks back to a day in 1992, when Balvenie mashman Brian Webster and maltman Robbie Gormley took in a delivery of dark barley, kicking of a long experiment. Dark barley isn't a common sight in the whisky world - you're more likely to see it put to use in beer brewing, particularly those yummy stouts we hear people talking about. Turns out, it also makes yummy single malt. Ideal.

- The third release in The Balvenie Stories range is a particularly rich and exciting 26 year old expression, title A Day of Dark Barley. It sounds quite ominous, doesn't it? Don't worry, here's a spoiler to the end of the story - it results in excellent whisky!

This expression harks back to a day in 1992, when Balvenie mashman Brian Webster and maltman Robbie Gormley took in a delivery of dark barley, kicking of a long experiment. Dark barley isn't a common sight in the whisky world - you're more likely to see it put to use in beer brewing, particularly those yummy stouts we hear people talking about. Turns out, it also makes yummy single malt. Ideal.

$1,199.99
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SKU
20097
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The Balvenie 26 year old ‘A day of Dark Barley’ Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700mL

- The third release in The Balvenie Stories range is a particularly rich and exciting 26 year old expression, title A Day of Dark Barley. It sounds quite ominous, doesn't it? Don't worry, here's a spoiler to the end of the story - it results in excellent whisky!

This expression harks back to a day in 1992, when Balvenie mashman Brian Webster and maltman Robbie Gormley took in a delivery of dark barley, kicking of a long experiment. Dark barley isn't a common sight in the whisky world - you're more likely to see it put to use in beer brewing, particularly those yummy stouts we hear people talking about. Turns out, it also makes yummy single malt. Ideal.

The Balvenie 26 year old ‘A day of Dark Barley’ Single Malt Scotch Whisky Tasting Notes:

Nose: At first glance, this basically noses like Pop Rocks (sweet, acidic, gummy, and tempting). Give it a little time (but just a few moments), and you’ll get so much more. You’ll pickup on the rich honey so consistent with the Balvenie brand. At times, it reminds me of ginger candy, dried mango, and flavors in that sphere. Sweet (super so), gummy, and sharp like ginger and mango. Fascinating!

Palate: Lots of great intense sweetness—dried mango, rich honey, combined with an intense oak spice. That thick sweetness turns to dark chocolate, croissant buttery, and a medley of dried fruits. I can’t get over how ‘heavy’ this drink is on each and every sip. Dusty barnyard notes are there, but ever-so-subtle. The zest and spice carries through to the finish, but the sweetness fades quickly. You’re left with a buttery cinnamon note that begs for another sip.

Conclusion: Even considering the list of older scotches I’ve enjoyed, I’ve not tasted anything like this. It doesn’t remind me of any other single malt. It’s sweet, but it has the heft to it that works wonderfully. There’s a spice that balances it all out. This is still Balvenie through and through, but it’s amped up in flavours, and the perfect dram among close friends.

More Information
GTIN 5010327525280
Price / Unit Bottle
Bottle/Glass Size 700mL
ABV% 47.8
Brand Balvenie
Varietal Single Malt Whisky
Country of Manufacture United Kingdom
Limited Edition Yes
Vintage 2020
Box Yes
Collector Rating 5
Condition New
Closure Cork
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