The Balvenie 21 is one of the more expensive whiskies in Ian Buxton’s 101 Whiskies to try before you die. Usually I’m not a big fan of The Balvenie, since I find their flavour profile a bit too smooth, a bit too dull. Of course, I am never reluctant to try anything I haven’t tried before (of whisky that is).

This whisky has been finished in Port casks to give it a bit more character and depth of flavour. Or so they say!

Nose:
With this whisky, the excitement is in the details. At 40% it is a very smooth scent, never offending and not the slightest alcohol burn. You really have to try to get the port scent out of it but there is a slight tinge of a tawny port nuttiness and sweetness to it. There is some wood and honey, which is rather normal for a Balvenie. A few farmy notes are present as well. Straw, but smooth and complex.

Taste:
Soft, light and smooth, with a hint of dryness. Also lightly spicy with a honey sweetness to it. There is a bit of spice in there as well. Quite ‘warm’, as in, this would be right at home on a dreary autumn day on the couch. Which means it fits right in this summer in Holland…

Finish:
The finish is long but not too complex. Not many new things to explore, which might have something to do with the 40% ABV. A little wood, a little honey, some sweet spices and here I get some tawny port hints again as well.

Although this is a very (too?) smooth dram, I really love it. The flavours are layered and there is a lot to explore. It never challenges you but it does reward some attention. I kind of love this dram, which surprises me!

The Balvenie Port Wood 21 year old, 40%, about € 92 at Master of Malt and others.

Nose: 9
Taste: 9
Finish: 8
Overal experience: 8
Price/quality: +1

Total: 35 points