The Balvenie 18 Year Old French Oak Pineau des Charentes Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky 750ml

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A highly distinctive Balvenie release, this 18 Year French Oak expression pushes the distillery’s classic honeyed profile into richer, more exotic territory. The extended finish in Pineau des Charentes casks adds layered fruit, spice, and texture, creating a whisky that feels both familiar and intriguingly different. A standout for collectors and Balvenie loyalists seeking something beyond the core range. Origins & Craftsmanship Crafted at The Balvenie distillery in Speyside, this limited release is part of the brand’s experimental “Curious Casks” series. The whisky is initially matured in a combination of ex-bourbon American oak and European oak casks, building the distillery’s signature honeyed, malty foundation. The defining step is an extended finishing period—often several years—in Pineau des Charentes casks, a rare and unusual choice. Pineau des Charentes is a fortified wine made from grape must and Cognac eau-de-vie, aged in French oak—bringing both wine sweetness and brandy influence into the wood. This long secondary maturation imparts richer fruit character, spice, and a more viscous texture, while maintaining Balvenie’s hallmark elegance.  Tasting Profile Nose:Honeyed malt, toasted oak, candied citrus, and ripe red fruits Palate:Full-bodied and layered, with caramel, vanilla, dried fruit, baking spice, and a rounded, slightly wine-influenced sweetness Finish:Long, warming, and complex, with lingering oak, orange zest, and gentle spice Quick Overview Attribute Details ABV / Proof ~47–48% ABV (varies by release) Origin / Region Speyside, Scotland Producer The Balvenie Base Material Malted barley Aging / Maturation 18 years total; extended finish in Pineau des Charentes casks Special Attributes Limited release, French fortified wine cask finish Aromas & Flavors Honey, citrus, dried fruit, caramel, spice Style / Identity Rich, textural, fruit-forward Speyside single malt Serving & Occasion Best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to open up the layered fruit and spice. Ideal for after-dinner sipping, whisky collectors, and those exploring wine-cask-finished Scotch.

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