Three Balvenie's

The Single Barrel 15 is typical Balvenie. My short notes show wood, vanilla, peat and smoke, although subtle. Very fine dram.

I found a mis-priced Portwood 21 and grabbed it after warning the clerk (who insisted he had priced it correctly since he did the pricing) that it went elsewhere for twice that amount. I bought one bottle which is yet unopened. Should have gotten 2. I think the normal retail price ($120US) is a bit steep, but as I said, I haven't tired it yet.

I find the DoubleWood 12 to be a lovely dram as well, with sherry and orange (citrus) overtones.

IMHO you is a lucky dude. The Doublewood is one of my favorites and goes very well with a fine cigar. The Single Barrell 15y could be very fine as well. I have a 2004 bottle (#21) from cask #89 (Jul '89) and I prefer it to the Doublewood. Lots of honey and stewed fruits. The Portwood is one that I've tasted and would love to have in my collection. Lots of complex flavours that also go well with my cigar.

The one I'd stay away from would be the Burgundy Wood.

Jacues,

I have to say that I like the Balvenie. I have all three mentioned plus the Founder's Reserve. They all have a good solid taste with lots of oak tannins, dark fruits, and honey. The Portwood 21 is a bit expensive but certainly smooth with the classic Balvenie taste. While there are scotches I like better, I consider the Balvenie a good everyday dram and the price is right for all but the Portwood finish which is certainly good scotch but a bit expensive for an everyday dram. Enjoy them!

Daniel

Thanks to alll who replied. I got them in a presentation box from my brother-in-law. Nice box too with a little metal catch on the front and the labels on the front of the box as well. Allthough I am well versed in SMSW, I have never really been a Balvenie fan. Prefering Glenfarclas or Craigellachie when drinking Speyside malts. As I said the double wood is one I already know well enough and enjoy it now and then during a warm evening. I am helping out as guide and entertainer with a whisky tour in March going from Islay to Speyside. But alas whilst in Speyside, it will be the extended tour of Glenfarclas with 6 drams afterwards and then on to Gordon Macphails Benromach distillery. After tasting the portwood last night I now wish we had included Balvenie as a destination.

Whisky tour March:

Peace,

Jock

The Portwood will do that to you.

:>) :>) :>)

There should be a warning on the label

Peace,

Jock

Oh yes, indeed it will. I've added Balvenie as a destination when I go for that specific reason as well. An awfully good job they've done on that one.

That said, the Macallen 15 "fine oak" may be my new favorite. Nothing not to like about this one.

I have the Macallan 15 fine oak in my cabinet. I like it a lot. Not my favourite though, that geing Ardbeg Arry nam Beisht. But its very nice. I do love Glenfarclas 21. Very rich.

Peace,

Jock

Speaking about Balvenie Whisky, there is a 7 part series on how it is made on our website

The whole tour is explained by David Mair, the Balvenie Global Brand Ambassador, and is available to watch for FREE on ww.scotlandontv.tv

Check it out and see how Balvenie is made from start to f>

The 21yo is delightful, but I kept the 15yo for when my family came over - very spirity, not sophisticated, ... even after some water was added, no real flavour... reminds me of rocket fuel

stick with the 12yo and 21yo.

I've also got a 17yo (being a 1989 special release) - also extremely pleasant...