The Balvenie was founded in 1892 by William Grant and sons in a building in Speyside Scotland. Still to this day the distillery operates and continues to use malting floors for turning the barley which is something not many distilleries still do. David C. Stewart, The Balvenie Malt Master, oversees the production of their different lines of expressions. Stewart has been with The Balvenie Distillery since 1962. No one knows Scotch Whisky quite like Stewart does and with his knowledge and experience, he has led the distillery for over 30 years. Under his watch, The Balvenie has won numerous awards and has established itself as one of the prominent distilleries known around the world. Today The Balvenie produces over 20 bottlings. The Whisky The Balvenie 21 Portwood was originally released in 1996. This splendid dram is the concept from the brilliant Malt Master David C. Stewart of The Balvenie Distillery. Since its birth 25 years ago, this whisky has won countless awards and is considered by some to be Stewart’s finest creation. Initially matured in American ex-bourbon barrels, the whiskey is then transferred and finished in Port pipes under intense observation from Mr. Stewart. The Balvenie 21 Portwood is non-chill filtered and bottled at 40% ABV. Color: Caramel The first thing I noticed upon nosing was how warm and welcoming this dram is. One the nose are delicate notes of caramel, plums, dark chocolate, oak tannins, dark cherry, toffee, orange peel, almonds and some floral hints. The palate was rather complex, but soft and silky that took me on an adventure to discover her secrets. I found more notes of dark chocolate, plums, dark fruits, vanilla, cinnamon, oak, and some cracked pepper. The finish is long and still welcomes you with open arms. This soothing finish is accompanied by notes of oak, vanilla, and some leather.