Balvenie 21yr Portwood Finish - Review

[jwise]

We cracked open the bottle of the Balvenie 21yr Portwood tonight for Christmas, and enjoyed a delicious dram of the sweet nectar held within.



Here are my tasting notes:

Nose: Sweet nectar, honey, and warm goodness. Absolute delight. Soft candy, toffee, and a slight port (that's not surprising, huh?) aroma. I could nose this whisky all night long, except that its taste is even better! Coming back after a taste, I pick up gardenia, and other aromatic floral notes.

Body: Soft body, almost delicate. Light and buttery.

Palate: OH MY GOODNESS! This whisky is buttery smooth and sweet as honey! The floral notes are subtle, but the port comes out strong. Being a port lover, this is a VERY good thing. A slight alcohol burn lights up the sides of the mouth, reminding me it is not a butterscotch liqueur, but straight whisky I am sipping. The finish is remarkable, delivering a soft, sweet aroma. I could literally drink this whisky all night long. There are spicy notes that develop as well, perhaps cinnamon?

The sensation on my tongue is wonderful, building in strength, numbing the sides of my mouth. I can't help but hold this warm, delicate dram in my mouth. The glass is almost empty, and I am growing sad, realizing this is the end of my tasting for the day.

[Black0989]

See youre in houston, glad toknow someone is here locally. Enjoyed your review of the Portwood, going to buy a bottle in the near future.

[Jojo]

Excellent tasting notes - thanks jwise!

Definitely an interest piquing review. I am just now researching single malts, and this particular bottle has stuck out to me as something I must try in the future.

I need to find a good liquor store in my area with a good selection so I can get started properly.

[jwise]

If you want to try the Balvenie 21yr, the easiest way is to find a Balvenie sample pack:



This is how I first tasted the 21yr, and is the ONLY reason I was willing to pay the entry price for a bottle. If I didn't already know how it tasted (and that I LOVED it!), I would never have paid the bottle price.

The Sample Pack was $15.99, well worth it for a taste of three of the best whiskies in their respective price points: 12yr Doublewood, 15yr Single Barrel, and 21yr Portwood.

[Gary Wells]

I've got a bottle tucked away, not necessarily for a special occasion, but just until it's turn has been chosen. As I just opened last night a bottle of Bunnahabhain Signatory un-chill filtered heavily peated, that's about 14 drinks worth at a dram a night. I am looking forward to sampling the portwood though. Happy Holidays to all.