Review: Balvenie 14 Caribbean Cask
Because my frat brother can't stop talking about how delicious this stuff is.
One of my goals in 2023 is the restart the hosting of whiskey tastings and cocktail kickbacks. During my time in Los Angeles in particular, this was a great opportunity to collaborate with brands and connect with the homies who were eager to engage with the spirit game like me.
But the homie Nashaun was the real MVP one night in 2019.
After hosting a few tastings at the crib, Nashaun volunteered his vibey downtown LA apartment to host a session. Replete with a private rooftop deck and ample space, we brought in a vertical tasting of Balvenie for the 20-30 attendees to sip…mightily. Heh.
The clear favorite of Balvenie’s line of the 14-year Carribean Cask, single malt scotch that’s finished in a rum cask for a fun yet complex sip.
“That shit is fire, bruh,” Nashaun yelped after a few sips. “I’m getting two bottles.”
Now, every time we link and talk spirits, it’s the first thing he brings up. It makes me happy because now we have that connection to carry on. It’s also a reminder that exposure and experimentation is the ethos of this newsletter and part of the mission I look to carry on with my people.
There’s so much good stuff on the shelf beyond the big brands (which are good, but still) so don’t be afraid to try something different.
You might find something that makes you yelp, “that shit is fire, bruh.”
Nose: Cooked pineapples. Like your auntie’s pineapple-upside down cake. Allspice. Nutmeg. Leather.
Palate: Vanilla wafers. Wheat toast. Cinnamon. A slight bit of oak? Yes. A slight bit of oak.
Finish: Slight but sharp bite, with tastes of dates and rum hints that lingers.
Key details: This is an award-winning single malt that’s bottled at 86 proof (43% ABV). The color is golden, like the coins from Super Mario Bros. Retails for $89 at Total Wine & More
Appearance: 13/15 points
Nose: 23/25 Points
Palate/Taste: 32/35 Points
Finish: 22/25 points
Total Score: 90
Editor’s note: This story was originally written and published by me on Medium.