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 have been drinking single malts for about 5 years. And prior to this, I had splurged on a 375 ml bottle of Macallan 18 (similarly price to Balvenie 21 in my area). A few months back, I treated a friend to a dram for his birthday, which was my first time with the Portwood 21. It's the best Scotch I have tasted. I recommend it. I got a bottle for Christmas, and I am trying really hard to conserve it. I share too much :) The price does make it more special. It is looking like a two bottle max (per year) for me. Don't drink it with food, even if it's an 80 dollar steak. This is best savored with 2 cold stones on a half full stomach. In my opinion, don't even smoke a cigar with it. Definitely savor every sip.
No need to say anything else. Seriously expensive in the US at 190-200 dollars a bottle.
Made a mistake getting a bottle, fortunately not too costly. Should have taken more time in the port cask; not enough character been drawn out of it IMHO. Balvenie is good at producing drams that are easily enjoyable though.
Tried this on a whim and quickly realized that this was a special dram.
I tried a dram of this whisky a little while ago, and while I found it enjoyable, it was drier than I would have expected for something aged in port wood, and from Balvenie no less! I like my whiskies with a little sweetness to them, and Balvenie usually gives me that (e.g. both Doublewoods, Single Barrel 15, Caribbean Cask). Nonetheless, it was a solid dram, and my buddy acknowledged it as one of his favorites. Just not my style.
