I'm not the biggest fan of port finishes and I'm especially suspicious when it comes to older spirit, which shouldn't need varnishing if the original barrels are in good shape. But the four months that this Balvenie spends resting in the port pipes adds complexity rather than obfuscation. The dark fruit notes play well with the more refined flavors and don't outstay their welcome. I'd need to try more than the wee dram I had today in the presence of master distiller David Stewart before I could mark this five stars, but I wouldn't question the potential.