The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year is a warm, honeyed Speyside single malt and one of the most loved introductions to the world of Scotch, poured at Grappa in Queen Anne, Seattle. Its two-cask maturation gives it a richness and roundness that has earned it a devoted following.
About the Distillery
The Balvenie sits in Dufftown, in the heart of Speyside, and remains one of the few distilleries to still grow some of its own barley, malt it on traditional floor maltings, and keep its own coppersmith and cooperage on site. This rare, hands-on approach across every stage of production is the foundation of The Balvenie’s signature craft and the gentle, honeyed house character that runs through its whiskies.
Style & Region
This is a classic Speyside single malt, the style most associated with elegance, sweetness, and approachability rather than peat. What sets DoubleWood apart is its name: it is matured first in traditional whisky oak, then transferred to European sherry oak casks for a finishing period. That second cask layers in depth and warmth, marrying Speyside’s honeyed grace with the dried-fruit richness of sherry wood. It is an unpeated, beautifully balanced malt.
Tasting Notes
Expect honey and vanilla on the nose, joined by sweet sherried fruit, almond, and a hint of cinnamon spice. The palate is smooth and layered, with notes of dried fruit, nutty oak, and warm baking spice over a creamy, mellow body. The finish is long, soft, and gently spiced. It is an elegant, comforting pour that drinks beautifully neat.
What to Pair It With
The Balvenie’s sherried sweetness pairs gracefully with a charcuterie board and our flourless chocolate cake, where its dried-fruit notes echo the dessert. It is also a lovely match for our American Wagyu steaks. Browse the full dine-in menu.
How It’s Served at Grappa
We pour The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year neat at $21. We recommend it neat to enjoy its honeyed, sherried depth.
FAQ
Where is it from?
The Balvenie is distilled in Dufftown, in the Speyside region of Scotland, at a distillery known for malting its own barley and keeping its own cooperage on site.
What does it taste like?
It is honeyed and smooth, with vanilla, sweet sherried fruit, almond, and warm baking spice, finishing long, soft, and gently spiced.
Is it peated or smoky?
No. DoubleWood is an unpeated Speyside single malt, defined instead by honeyed sweetness and the dried-fruit richness of its sherry-cask finishing.
To enjoy The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year with us, book a table, browse the cocktail & spirits list, and the dine-in menu.
