The Balvenie Forty is the oldest and boldest whisky in The Balvenie's Rare Marriages range: a single malt drawn from casks that have rested in the distillery's warehouses for at least 40 years. Richly sweet and refined, it is a rare chance to taste four decades of Speyside craftsmanship from one of Scotland's most respected family-owned distilleries.
The Rare Marriages range arrived in the United States in 2022 as a trio of long-aged single malts, the new Twenty-Five alongside refreshed versions of the Thirty and the Forty, each released in limited quantities. The range is built on the art of marrying casks: whiskies matured separately in different oak types, then brought together so that each contributes its own character to the final whisky.
For the Forty, The Balvenie combines traditional oak casks with European oak sherry butts, all of which have matured for at least 40 years before being married together. The sherry butts bring depth and dried-fruit richness, while the traditional oak adds honeyed sweetness and gentle vanilla. It is bottled at 46% ABV (92 proof), giving the whisky more presence than a standard-strength bottling. The bottle comes in a tall, layered wooden case that echoes the rings of the casks it came from.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Honey, orange marmalade and creamy fruit, with dried apricot, crystallised citrus peel and ginger.
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Palate: Candied ginger, orange blossom and sherry-soaked fruit, with gentle cinnamon and nutmeg.
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Finish: Long and warming, with lingering honey.
Specifications
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Producer: The Balvenie (William Grant & Sons)
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Style: Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
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Expression / Batch: Rare Marriages range, The Balvenie Forty
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Age: 40 years
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Proof / ABV: 92 proof (46% ABV)
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Cask / Finish: Traditional oak casks and European oak sherry butts, married after at least 40 years
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Region: Speyside, Scotland
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
The Balvenie suggests enjoying the Forty neat, on the rocks or with a splash of water. For a first taste, pour it neat and let it sit for a few minutes before adding a drop of water to open the honey and citrus. It pairs well with a mild, creamy cigar, and its striking case makes it a superb gift for a 40th birthday or anniversary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What casks are in The Balvenie 40 Year Old?
Traditional oak casks and European oak sherry butts that have each matured for at least 40 years before being married.
What proof is The Balvenie Forty?
It is bottled at 46% ABV, which is 92 proof.
What is The Balvenie Rare Marriages range?
A collection of long-aged single malts (Twenty-Five, Thirty and Forty) built by marrying whiskies from different cask types.
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