Balvenie 21 Year Old PortWood, 70cl
Brand: The Balvenie | Category: Speyside Single Malt Scotch | ABV: 40% | Origin: Dufftown, Scotland | Vol: 70cl
Cask Type: American Oak Ex-Bourbon & Port Pipe Finish | Age Statement: 21 Years | Edition: Core Prestige Range

Intro/Heritage:
A masterclass in finishing, Balvenie 21 Year Old PortWood marries tradition and innovation in one sublime bottle. After maturing for two decades in American oak barrels, the whisky is transferred to rare, 30-year-old port pipes for a secondary maturation that adds deep fruit complexity and elegant structure. Created by Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE, one of Scotch whisky’s living legends, this is Speyside richness at its most refined.

Tasting Profile:
Nose: Aromatic and inviting. Red berries, honeycomb, aged oak, and rosewater open with soft spice and a touch of leather.
Palate: Velvety and intricate. Layers of dried fig, dark chocolate, walnut, and ripe plum flow into vanilla and cinnamon, all wrapped in port-infused warmth.
Finish: Long, elegant, and graceful. Lingering notes of berry compote, oak spice, and sweet malt fade with stately composure.

Production Details:
Initially matured in traditional American oak barrels, then finished in vintage port casks that once held aged Portuguese wine. Bottled at 40% ABV, this expression is a hallmark of The Balvenie’s pioneering approach to wood finishing.

Perfect For:
Celebrating milestones, marking refined moments, or gifting to serious whisky connoisseurs. A prestige-level dram that brings both gravitas and generosity to the glass.

Expert Notes:
PortWood is where elegance meets depth. The port cask finish doesn’t overwhelm, it lifts and enriches the core Balvenie profile, creating a dram of soft complexity and timeless beauty.

Customer Reviews:
🗨️ “Every sip is a slow walk through a vintage library filled with sherry-soaked books.”
🗨️ “Rich without being heavy. A perfect whisky for deep conversations and long finishes.”
🗨️ “The port cask adds fruit, warmth, and a whole new level of sophistication.”

Interesting Fact:
David Stewart was one of the first in Scotch whisky to pioneer secondary cask finishing, and the 21 PortWood remains one of the finest examples of that vision decades later.

Serving Suggestions:
Best enjoyed neat in a wide tulip glass. Let it breathe. A splash of water reveals even more fruit and floral tones. Exceptional with dark chocolate, aged cheeses, or fig-based desserts.

Distillery Background:
Established in 1892 in Dufftown, The Balvenie is one of the few distilleries that grows its own barley, malts onsite, and maintains a team of in-house coopers and coppersmiths. This hands-on craftsmanship shines through in every drop, especially in long-aged icons like the PortWood 21.