The "Balvenie Stories" series tells some of the productive peculiarities of this historic Speyside distillery, which has indeed remained one of the few authentically artisanal realities in Scotland. For this 12-year-old, the work of the coopers operating within Balvenie was highlighted. Virgin white oak barrels were imported from Kentucky and toasted directly at the distillery. These types of barrels, which have never held a spirit, are very active and capable of imparting a large quantity of aromatic compounds to the distillate. For this reason, they were used only for the final part of the aging of The Balvenie 12 Y.O. The Sweet Toast Of American Oak. A whisky with rich fruity notes, including apricot and yellow apple, and with distinct hints of honey and vanilla.