The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old Scotch Whisky
The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old Scotch Whisky is a 750mL single malt bottled at 40% ABV from The Balvenie Distillery in Dufftown, Scotland — matured in two wood types: at least 12 years in traditional American oak ex-bourbon casks, then an extra nine months in Spanish oak ex-Oloroso sherry casks, and finally married in large oak tuns. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 40%
- Size: 750mL
- Age: 12 years, plus nine months in sherry oak
- Casks: American oak ex-bourbon, then Spanish oak ex-Oloroso sherry
- Marrying: 3–4 months in oak tuns after the second cask
- Distillery: The Balvenie, Dufftown, Scotland
- Origin: Scotland
The Original Two-Wood Malt
DoubleWood is where modern cask finishing began: David Stewart MBE, then the distillery's Malt Master, pioneered the "wood finishing" technique here, moving fully matured whisky into a second, characterful cask. The traditional American oak softens and adds delicate honeyed character; the Spanish Oloroso sherry wood brings depth and fullness of flavour; and a final rest in tuns lets the casks marry harmoniously. Explore the distillery on the The Balvenie vendor page.
Tasting Notes
Per the producer: sweet fruit and Oloroso sherry notes layered with honey and vanilla on the nose; nutty sweetness, cinnamon spiciness and a delicately proportioned layer of sherry on the palate; and a long, warming finish.
How to Enjoy
The benchmark introduction to finished single malt: neat, or with a splash of water to separate the bourbon-oak honey from the sherry fruit. More everyday classics are in our Scotch whisky collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two woods in DoubleWood?
American oak ex-bourbon casks for the first 12-plus years, then Spanish oak casks that previously held Oloroso sherry for a further nine months, followed by 3–4 months marrying in tuns.
What proof is DoubleWood 12 in the US?
The US 750mL bottling is 40% ABV.
Who invented cask finishing?
David C. Stewart MBE, The Balvenie's former Malt Master (now its Honorary Ambassador), pioneered the wood-finishing technique, and DoubleWood — launched in 1993 — is its landmark showcase.
The two-wood original — order The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
