Balvenie 21 Year Old PortWood Finish

Founded in 1892 by William Grant in Dufftown, Speyside, The Balvenie has long been defined by its commitment to traditional craftsmanship and the mastery of wood. The distillery maintains its own floor maltings, cooperage and coppersmith team, and its succession of Malt Masters has built a body of work that places cask management at the very centre of the whisky making process. It was Honorary Ambassador and former Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE who first developed the technique of wood finishing in 1982, a practice now widely used across the industry but originating here on the Balvenie Estate.

First released in 1996 and considered by many to be David C. Stewart's finest creation, the PortWood 21 Year Old brings together a marriage of rare Balvenie whiskies that have been matured for over two decades in traditional American oak whisky casks before being transferred to port pipes, the large casks used to age fine port wines. The port cask finishing stage is sampled regularly by the Malt Master to ensure the right degree of character is imparted, enhancing and developing the spirit whilst preserving the depth and complexity built over twenty-one years. The result is a single malt of genuine refinement, recognised by an array of industry awards since its launch. An outstanding collector's expression and a gift of real distinction for a milestone occasion.

Tasting Note by Balvenie:
Nose: A perfume of fruity and ripe raisin notes, backed by a nutty dryness.
Palate: Refined with remarkable character, it is creamy and silky with fruit, honey and spice notes.
Finish: Long, gentle, nutty.