The Balvenie 16yo French Oak (47,6%)

The Balvenie French Oak is a vibrant single malt finished in casks previously held wine from the French Charentes vineyards.
Pineau des Charentes is a fortified wine made from unfermented grape juice, to which a Cognac eau-de-vie is added and then matured. Pineau is also found as a home-made product in the neighbouring Deau-Sevres and Vendee departements.
The Balvenie USA brand ambassador Lorne Cousin suggested Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE explore these casks after a trip to the region with his family where he fondly remembers sipping an aperitif.
This is the first of The Balvenie finishes to explore French Oak. Pineau is akin to cognac in terms of production and flavour, allowing The Balvenie to capitalise on the rise of this flavour profile and its premium credentials.

Tasting Notes:
Nose: Beautifully balanced light floral notes from lotus and geranium flowers dance between hints of fresh meadow grass and pealed apple skin.
Taste: An energising zing from tangy lemon rind and grapefruit meet the delicate subtle sweetness of glazed fruits and spice from root ginger.
Finish: Refreshingly concise.