It’s been a year since we last encountered Balvenie’s Tun 1509 series, which is now back with its 8th installment — the final bottling in the long-running and impressive collection.

This vatting of 18 casks selected by Malt Master David C. Stewart includes, as usual, a mix of various cask types and ages, with the entire batch rested in a single large tun for 3 months to marry. (Specifics on the casks turned out comprises 4 American oak barrels, 4 refill sherry butts, 6 new sherry butts, and 5 American oak puncheons.)

The sherry is strong with this one, with a nose that is sharp with roasted nuts and torched citrus peel. That classic, undulating grain character is omnipresent underneath it all, with hints of mixed herbs percolating throughout. The palate is expressive and again big with sherry influence, mandarins and blood orange giving way to rosemary, tobacco, and some barrel char notes. The finish never lets up — punchy with notes of graphite and sharp thyme notes. Rosemary elements linger.

This is one of the more herbaceous Tun 1509 releases, but it’s also one of the most expressive. If you like your Balvenie big and bold, well, what a finale to a beloved series.

104.4 proof.

A / $410 / thebalvenie.com

The Balvenie Tun 1509, Batch 7

$410

9.5

Rating

9.5/10