Balvenie Portwood 21 Year

Tasted at Whiskey Obsession 2018.

Review #11 of 12 from DC Whiskyfest 2018. I was only able to do 12 because I came down with something that afternoon that really messed with my head and stomach. I should have just stayed in the hotel room but I didn’t pay $350 for VIP tickets to sample my pillow! No scores for anything sampled as I don’t think it would be fair. Soft and sweet nose. Strawberry Jolly Ranchers, honey and a light spice. Spices but mild on the palate, oak and weak port notes if any. This was probably the biggest disappointment of the night for me next to the Laphroaig epic fail.

** Disclaimer: This review is what I would consider a “Quick Hit”- meaning I won’t have my usual in-depth notes that I usually like to take. The reason: this sample was poured at Whiskyfest DC on 4/17/18. All of these reviews will not be scored and I am actively looking to try them again at some point to do them more justice. This sample has to slide over into the disappointing column of my Whiskyfest list because I was completely expected to be blown away and I wasn’t. It didn’t seem as complex or as smooth as it should’ve been. The port notes didn’t come through (could’ve been my palate beginning to get fatigued) and it seemed rather harsh for a Balvenie AND 21 years old. I have a bottle of this one sitting here at home so I will be looking to redeem this one because there are just too many great reviews of it for it to be as low as I would’ve scored it based on Whiskyfest alone. Also, boo to the Balvenie reps for being so stingy with the pours. Especially with the 21 being a non-VIP pour. A little over a 1/4oz (maybe) wasn’t worth standing in line for. They also short poured the Peat Week during the VIP hour, but that was a fantastic malt- more to come on that one.

Nose: wine, portwood, grape Palate: so smooth, sour Finish: clean, lasting taste

Very smooth. wonderful flavor. not sure it is worth the price considering the other Scottish whiskys available that are not quite its equal in taste, but are far more afordable.