Review: The Balvenie Tun 1509, Batch 4
Review: The Balvenie Tun 1509, Batch 4
The Balvenie is back with another of its highly-desired Tun series, with the fourth expression of Tun 1509 now in the market. We previously reviewed Batch 1 and Batch 2, but Batch 3 somehow slipped by us.
As with prior batches, Batch 4 is a vatting of 23 casks, including bourbon and sherry casks that are married in a special vessel called a tun before bottling at cask strength.
While Batch 2 was a letdown, Batch 4 marks a return to the original’s excellence. The nose is sherry forward and racy, loaded with baking spice and dried flowers, atop plenty of vanilla caramel notes — a nice balance between the sherry and bourbon casks in this bottle.
Though over 51% abv, the whisky doesn’t feel hot on the palate. While it’s vibrant and as racy as the nose would indicate, it’s tempered by a well-rounded body that features a toasty, malty, cereal-laden core, but one that is tempered by plenty of flavor. Notes of toasted coconut and dried apples bring fruity sweetness, while an edge of mahogany wood oil provides a moody counterpoint. The sherry notes aren’t as powerful on the palate, but the sharp finish sees a reprise, along a bite of that toasty cereal by way of conclusion.
While Batch 2 might have been a misfire, Batch 4 proves that Balvenie still has its blending magic well in hand.
103.4 proof.
A- / $399 / thebalvenie.com [BUY IT NOW FROM DRIZLY]
The Balvenie Tun 1509, Batch 4
$399
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Sounds like a gorgeous scotch whiskey that ups the game from its predecessor. There’s nothing more lovely than a whiskey that goes down smooth and features plenty of flavour so you can sip it slow and enjoy it. The coconut flavours are particularly enticing. Thanks for sharing your experience with it!