Balvenie Caribbean Cask vs Doublewood | Which is best?

Last updated on August 13th, 2024

As a whisky enthusiast, I’ve always wanted to compare two of the most popular Balvenie whiskies: Balvenie Caribbean Cask vs Doublewood.

Balvenie whisky will always have a special place in my heart, as it was the first whisky I had that truly made me fall in love with whisky. It was when I found “my whisky” that dram you can go back to time and time again and never be disappointed. For me, specifically, it was the Doublewood 12 year old.

Both are single malt Scotch whiskies with unique flavour profiles that make them stand out from other brands. In this article, I will be taking an in-depth look into both types of whisky and determining which one is the better choice for those looking for a quality dram. By exploring the tasting notes, production process, and price point of each bottle, I hope to provide readers with enough information to make an educated decision when selecting between these two amazing spirits.

The Balvenie whisky distillery, located in the Speyside region of Scotland, has been producing quality single malt Scotch whiskies for over 125 years. Founded by William Grant & Sons in 1893, the mission was to produce a ‘water of life’ with a distinct taste and character that would be appreciated by whisky enthusiasts everywhere.

The distillery famously uses traditional floor malting techniques that are rare in Scotland these days, as well as being the only distillery that grows their own barley. They even keeps both a coppersmith and a team of coopers on site.

In addition to producing its signature whisky, The Balvenie also produces some spectacular limited edition whiskies such as PortWood 21 Year Old, Double Wood 17 Year Old, Caribbean Cask 14 Year Old and many more. Each bottle of Balvenie is crafted using time-honored methods; from the selection of ingredients like barley grown in the fertile Scottish soil to slow fermentation times to double maturation process whereby each whisky matures in two types of casks for a richer flavour profile. The end result is nothing short of sublime.

Balvenie Caribbean Cask vs Doublewood: Quick Look comparison

Balvenie Caribbean Cask vs Doublewood: Caribbean Cask review

Balvenie Caribbean Cask is a highly flavourful whisky with a unique taste profile. It starts with succulent notes of vanilla, followed by bright and juicy flavours of apple and mango that are complimented perfectly by the subtle hint of orange. This whisky has a smooth and creamy mouthfeel, which complements its complex flavour palette. The finish is marked by a pleasant sweetness that lingers on the tongue.

This 14-year-old single malt Scotch whisky is crafted using Balvenie’s traditional floor malting techniques as well as only using their own home-grown barley – something that’s rare in Scotland these days.

Master distiller David C. Stewart has developed an intriguing blend of West Indian rums to be stored in American Oak casks prior to being filled with Balvenie. The end result is nothing short of sublime, offering whisky drinkers an exotic experience like no other!

As a massive fan of Balvenie, I was delighted to receive a bottle of the Caribbean Rum cask from my other half for Christmas. The moment I took my first sip, I was instantly struck by the complexity of this whisky’s flavour profile. The aromatic nuttiness combined with the fragrant spice, sweet sultanas and grapes, created an irresistible mix that beckoned me to indulge in its unique taste.

The next thing I noticed was the smooth, creamy mouthfeel that complemented the bouquet of bourbon which had evolved into sweetness. Subtle hints of peat in the background offered a beautiful balance to dried fruit and nutty flavours, further enhanced by notes of nutmeg and cinnamon. Finally, a hint of vanilla resonated on my tongue as I finished up my glass – leaving behind a lasting sweetness that kept me wanting more!

All things considered, it’s clear why this exquisite malt is recognised as one of The Balvenie’s most popular limited edition offerings – and why it made such a perfect present for myself!

Balvenie Caribbean Cask vs Doublewood: Doublewood review

My love affair with whisky began with Balvenie Doublewood. Who knew something given as a wedding favour at a friend’s wedding would set me off on a whisky-obsessed trajectory? Little did I know just how much I would come to appreciate the complexity of Scotch whisky, and more importantly, and arguably lead me to start this blog…

The 12 year old Balvenie Doublewood is an exquisite malt Scotch whisky that is crafted using only the very best ingredients. Their signature barley is grown in their own fields, whilst the refill American oak casks are treated to a further nine months in first fill European oak Oloroso sherry butts. This process ensures that this delicate whisky has a robust bouquet and flavour profile that is sure to tantalise your taste buds.

On the nose, you will be greeted by aromas of nuttiness intermingled with fragrant spices such as sweet sultanas and grapes – all which linger enticingly on your palate. The Bouquet evolves into sweetness producing hints of vanilla and subtle spiciness intertwined with flavours of dried fruits, nuts, nutmeg and cinnamon for an enticing taste experience. The finish is balanced allowing warmth and sweetness to linger in perfect harmony.

A glass of this remarkable whisky truly offers something special – an unbeatable combination of complexity and smoothness that will leave you wanting more! It can be enjoyed neat or with ice depending upon personal tastes, but however, it’s served this extraordinary single malt Scotch whisky will provide you with an unforgettable experience every single time! It’s no surprise that the folks at Master of Malt say: “This is also a single malt with the ability to convert a non-whisky drinker with its deliciousness…” As it certainly did that to me.

Balvenie Caribbean Cask vs Doublewood: The Comparison

The Balvenie Caribbean Cask and the Balvenie Doublewood 12 year old are two incredibly unique whiskies that offer a different yet equally enjoyable experience. The Caribbean Cask is a limited edition offering created using West Indian rums stored in American oak casks prior to being filled with Balvenie, while the Doublewood is their signature whisky crafted using barley grown in their own fields and refill American Oak casks.

When it comes to flavour profiles, both whiskies offer an array of complex notes. The Caribbean Cask has an aromatic nuttiness combined with fragrant spices like sweet sultanas and grapes, which creates an irresistible mix. Meanwhile, the Doublewood has aromas of nuttiness intermingled with fragrant spices such as sweet sultanas and grapes on the nose. As you drink, you’ll find subtle hints of peat in the background for the former and notes of vanilla for the latter.

In terms of mouthfeel, both whiskies have a smooth, creamy texture that complements their respective flavours beautifully. The Caribbean Cask provides warmth and sweetness that lingers on your tongue while enjoying its complexity; in contrast, drinking the Doublewood brings out its signature sweetness that leaves you wanting more!

Ultimately, what really sets these two whiskies apart is their ageing processes. While the Caribbean Cask takes on additional flavour due to its rum cask ageing process, the Doublewood gains complexity through its nine month maturation in first fill European oak Oloroso sherry butts before bottling; this unique blend results in a robust bouquet and flavour profile that simply can’t be matched by other Scotch whiskies.

Balvenie Caribbean Cask vs Doublewood: Food Pairings

When it comes to food pairings for Balvenie Caribbean Cask and Doublewood, the possibilities are endless. A great pairing will bring out the best in both the whisky and the food, creating an unbeatable taste experience.

The sweet, fruity notes of Balvenie 14 Caribbean Cask make it an ideal companion for desserts such as dark chocolate cake, or crème brûlée – all of which will bring out its subtle nuttiness and fragrant spices.

To enhance these flavours even further, try adding a dollop of rich vanilla ice cream on top – this decadent combination is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!

Or if you are looking for something a bit more savoury try a creamy brie? Or maybe even a Camembert?

The robust profile of Balvenie 12 Doublewood, on the other hand, pairs perfectly with smoked salmon or smoked mackerel.

The intense smokiness and rich oak notes offer a wonderful contrast to the slightly sweet flavour and tenderness of the fish.

No matter what whisky you choose from their extensive range, serving your Balvenie with carefully chosen foods is guaranteed to enhance your tasting experience in the best way possible. So why not mix things up a bit next time you’re hosting a dinner party; impress your guests with delicious whiskies and food pairings that are specially designed to bring out each other’s flavour profiles in perfect harmony?

Balvenie Caribbean Cask vs Doublewood: Cocktails

Caribbean Cask Cocktail: The Bamboo

The Bamboo cocktail perfectly captures the tropical, spicy flavour of Balvenie Caribbean Cask. Its concept is based on a classic aperitif, while Oloroso sherry adds an oxidative and nutty taste to it. Angostura bitters complete this recipe with its popularity in Trinidad – one of the most beautiful islands found in the Caribbean Sea! If you’re fond of Manhattans but prefer something sweeter and more fruit-driven than usual, then try out the Bamboo Cocktail today!

Doublewood Cocktail: The Lemon and Mint Balvenie Smash

The Lemon and Mint Balvenie Smash is a refreshing summer cocktail that brilliantly combines the robust flavour of Balvenie Doublewood with mint, lemon and simple syrup. This sophisticated drink perfectly encapsulates the complexity of the whisky’s sweet, smoky and oaky notes while providing a cooling sensation ideal for sunny days.

This cocktail starts off by muddling together some fresh mint leaves, a few slices of lemon and some simple syrup in a glass. To this mixture, add two generous shots of Balvenie Doublewood, along with plenty of ice.

The combination of Balvenie Doublewood’s smooth malt flavour and hints of fruitiness is perfectly complemented by the tartness from the lemon and herbaceous notes provided by the mint. It also has balance; neither too sweet nor too tart.

So if you’re looking for something special to enjoy this summer, why not give this crowd-pleasing cocktail a try? With its balanced combination of flavours, you’ll be sure to impress your guests!

Balvenie Caribbean Cask vs Doublewood: Final Thoughts

The Balvenie Caribbean Cask and Doublewood are two of the finest whiskies produced by Balvenie. The Caribbean Cask is a 14-year-aged single malt whisky that has been finished in rum casks which have previously held a variety of Caribbean rums. This process imparts a rich, tropical flavor profile to the whisky, with notes of vanilla, coconut, and dried fruit. Meanwhile, the Doublewood is a 12-year-old single malt whisky which has also been aged in both traditional oak barrels and sherry casks. The resulting whiskey is full of flavours of honeyed sweetness, spice, vanilla and oranges.

For those looking for something unique and special, then the Balvenie Caribbean Cask is likely your best bet for a truly one-of-a-kind experience. However, if you prefer something more subtle yet still with depth and complexity of flavours then the Balvenie Doublewood would be ideal. Both whiskies offer an incredible tasting experience but ultimately it comes down to personal preference as to which one you prefer. Regardless, either bottle will make an excellent addition to any collection!

Author’s pick

I admit, I am completely enamoured with the Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14-year-old single malt whisky. It has a rich, tropical flavour profile that is highlighted by the rum casks in which it is finished. Its notes of vanilla, coconut, and dried fruit make it a delight for any whisky enthusiast looking to experience something truly unique.

That being said, my first love will always win out and that’s Balvenie Doublewood 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky. A full-bodied beverage with layers of honeyed sweetness, spice, vanilla, and oranges — all balanced perfectly to create a truly flavourful and complex experience.

The Balvenie Doublewood 12 was my introduction to the world of whisky – so it will always hold a special place in my heart. Plus, its versatility makes it an excellent choice for almost any occasion or celebration — ranging from casual drinking nights with friends to intimate dinner parties.

Whether you prefer the Balvenie Caribbean Cask or the Doublewood 12-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, both bottles offer an amazing tasting experience that will impress any whisky connoisseur. At the end of the day though, I can’t help but have a special affinity for the original Balvenie Doublewood 12 — as it was my first foray into this magical world and set me on my journey of discovering some of life’s most delightful flavours!