The Balvenie 16 Year Old French Oak is a single malt matured for over 16 years in traditional American oak bourbon barrels before being finished for six months in Pineau des Charentes casks from the Charente region of France. The inspiration came when The Balvenie’s US Ambassador, moved by the Pineau des Charentes served as an aperitif during a family trip to France, suggested the cask to Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE. Utilizing these fortified wine casks, this expression captures a vibrant fruitiness, cognac-like sweetness, and a sense of French elegance, making it a truly captivating whisky.