Here we have the flagship single malt from Balvenie’s celebrated PortWood range. The 21 Year Old is a marriage of rare Balvenie whiskies, carefully finished in 30-year-old port pipes for added depth and finesse. First released in 1996, it remains a standout example of balance and refinement – offering soft fruit, warming spice and a long, elegant finish. A classic Speyside dram with real pedigree.
Elegant. White peach, honey, sultanta, macadamia, subtle touches of balsamic and cola cubes.
A gentle, subtle palate offering up a mix of cranberries and cooked raspberries, a little white grape juice and barley.
Cocoa, slightly bitter as it tails away gracefully.
I've bought several bottles of this 21-yr Portwood....it is excellent, lingers on the palate well, and will hold a place in my cabinet for life....
It was extremely elegant and mellow ? but I wish it had of been at least at 43% or even 45% + I paid 750$ which is definitely too much ?I wasted 250$ ?but it was still absolutely delicious ? so 3.5 stars
My all time favourite whisky. Keep for a special occasion and it will be enjoyed thoroughly by all. I almost guarantee.
I remember buying a bottle of this from a local wine merchant in 2005. I payed £50. It’s was worth every penny.
I can only speak to the bottle I received for my 55th birthday. I've had a few drams, just to give the whiskey a thorough tasting and because so many good folks here have rated this five stars. I've been drinking (good) whiskey pretty seriously for more than 10 years, although I'm no concierge. The port finish hides under an overwhelming alcohol smell and the dominant enjoyable scent I detect is like cherries; secondary is chocolate and light smoke. The first taste on the tip of the tongue is sharp alcohol and it's the last taste running down the sides of my tongue. I'm completely overwhelmed at how sharp this bottle delivers itself and I've had 12yo selections that are smoother. The flavors are soft and peach pokes its head out ahead of others. The aftertaste is pleasant enough and slightly sweet. I do enjoy other Balvenie selections, notably the 12yo DoubleWood and 14yo Caribbean Cask, although neither is usually in my home bar lineup. The 21 though, is a "once and done" and I almost wonder if I received a mistake bottling alongside all of these positive reviews.
