Balvenie Tun 1509 Batch 3 Single Malt
Launched in 2014, the Balvenie Tun 1509 followed the footsteps of Tuns 1401 and 1858, replacing the 1401.
Released in 2017, this fourth batch a combination of 23 casks: thirteen refill American oak butts and ten sherry butts.
Interestingly, the distillery inadvertently originally bottled this batch using the wrong whisky. The bottles were instead filled with whisky stored in the Tuns between batches to prevent them from drying. The recalled bottles were all originally shipped to The Netherlands and are distinguishable by their lighter liquid color.
“As with prior batches, Batch 3 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.
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.”