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 rate this Single malt as one of the top 5 in my cabinet. My usual is Macallan 18, and my favorite is Macallan rare cask.This is definitely one to share will special friends.This single malt has a very unique fruity flavor that I can't quite describe. A hint of peach maybe. The nose has a acidic caramel scent, wonderful. The finish is good, but faint, nutty vanilla flavor that doesn't linger; begging you to have another taste. This dram is a great alternative to my 18YO Macallan. I will keep a bottle in my cabinet to share with my fellow single malt and cigar crowd.
5 Stars
For my taste this is the finest single malt for the price on the market. It's sufficient to say that it's so good that I share it only with my son and a good friend and scotsman, who also happens to be an Episcopal priest.
It's been 15 years since I bought my first bottle of Balvenie Portwood 21, and it remains my favorite of all the single malts. I nursed that bottle for years, but alas, I finally finished it a few years ago. It's very hard to get where I live, and state taxes on liquor sales are substantial, so it's been out of my price range as well. One day, I will spring for another bottle, but until I will savor the memory of a smooth, creamy scotch.
This the one that I reserve for special occasions and special friends. At least until I try the 40 yo...
