A 21 year old Balvenie, finished in Madeira casks and very handsomely presented by the Speyside-based distillery. This was originally released for the Travel Retail market.
Please Note: Unfortunately the inside of the box is very fragile and susceptible to minor damage.
This bottle was part of a private collection - if you'd like more detailed photos just get in touch!
Update: no improvement after been opened an some of bottle gone - smooth but no pulse at all, flatlined into pure boredom. Woeful. Did get a bottle of single barrel sherry cask - superb dram, if you ever have the choice and are torn don’t make the same mistake I did.
By far the most disappointing whisky I've bought given the quality/price ratio is so absurd. Price is outrageous yet the contents of the bottle is distinctly ordinary. Nose, palate, and finish are all very middling, nothing jumps out at you or blows you away. There is fruit, but it's subtle, there is sweetness, but it's subtle, there is spice, but it's subtle, everything is in the background and hey, make no mistake, it is smooth. If you like flavourless, smooth whiskies you'll probably love this - if you have any sort of experience with cask strength bottlings then you'll want to avoid this like the plague. What makes no sense to me is the 40%ABV and the chill-filtering, and probable addition of color - why do this to a 21 year old whisky? I feel like there is some potential here that could be unlocked if it was just given a bit of a kick up the arse ABV wise but instead its this really restrained, underwhelming product that just doesn't live up to its price tag in any meaningful way. I have said, for any whisky I have reviewed, to give it a try yourself as your palate may like it - I'm saying here to actively avoid this. There is so much better out there, especially at this price.
I must declare this is one of my favorite whiskeys, ideal for any occasion from complementing a great dinner or celebrating an important event to any evening meditation or self-rewarding time. Extremely rewarding and easy to drink, doesn't burn , is smoothly and gently metabolized without leaving any headache nor other unpleasant effect. However, I am not sure it is worth its really high price, excellent alternatives being available for less money.
Very smooth, fruity with caramel, warming
Big orange on the nose with a vanilla under current and a beautiful balance
