The Balvenie Madeira Cask 21 Year

Nose is typical sweet Balvenie. Fruity and floral but a bit flat. Body is not so full as expected from a 21 year old. Finish is spicy. Still a great dram but should have been better.

Well of course this is delicious. And smooth. And velvety. It’s a Balvenie after all, aged 21 years. But I have to say, I was underwhelmed particularly at this price point. I just expect more from a $200 plus bottle. And the abv is low. Between this and the portwood I’d absolutely take the portwood. As for the taste, it has a pleasant honey, light fruit and some underlying Madeira spice that gives this a somewhat unique taste. It’s just a little muted. I wonder what this would be like at 46%.