Balvenie Tun 1401 Batch 9

This review is for the 9th Batch of the Tun 1401 Series. It is the 3rd in the series to be released in the US following Batches 3 and 6. I was fortunate enough to secure some of the 3rd Batch, and it was fantastic. How does this 9th Batch measure up?

Smells great. Very clean. Noticeable sherry. Faint marshmallow. Also a bit of honeysuckle. After swirling the first sip around, it quickly begins to concentrate its assault on the tongue - It is prickly and a bit grippy. The honeycomb I loved so much in the 3rd Batch comes through only after the swallow. There is also a spicy medicinal burn on the aftertaste. It is not the traditional "christmas pudding" sort of spice so often associated with Scotch. More...woodsy. Maybe a bit of menthol? Quite some saline too. Grippy burn of the wood is unmistakable on the dry and warming finish. To my tastes, this is a more savory and dry scotch than the Batch 3. I wish the honey was not a short lived as it is, but it still contributes to the party.

Overall, a well put together older whisky. It is not too sweet, and never veers into bitterness. Possesses a peppery burn which really seizes the tongue. It seems a bit more complex than the Batch 3, even if it is not as tasty. Glad to have had this one. Looking forward to a taste of the Batch 6 one day.

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