It’s a really good bottle. But I think the 15 single barrel is the ‘gem’ of balvenie’s standard lineup especially as prices on the 21 are near $250 now.
It's 300 over here in the Netherlands, which is strange (we're so close to scotland, scotch is usually cheaper here, and bourbon more expensive). At that price point you could get Cask Strength 21yo Edradours over here, or 27 year old unchillfiltered independent bottlings - it's alot to ask, isnt it?
Yes the port wood is definitely better than the 15 single barrel from the standpoint of complexity, smoothness, elegance, finish, etc. But the 15 single barrel has more character to it and I would personally buy 2 15’s over 1 bottle of 21. But the 21 is definitely a treat for a special occasion.
I actually think the new Macallan 12 sherry cask is slightly better than the old bottle (less sulphur), however; I seem to remember the old bottling being a little more tannic and dry which suggests slightly older whisky to me. Either way, I still think Macallan 12 is a good buy at $65 or less but generally I find Glendronach 12 a better whisky unless you enjoy that signature Macallan oiliness. If you haven't tried it the Mac 12 double cask adds a nice element of american oak sherry cask as well. Cheers!
Sadly this is true with most things. That first experience of something will always fire neurons more strongly than a repeated experience will so it's always impossible to re-capture that first taste no matter how good. However, it is also perfectly possible subsequent bottles were inferior. Highland Park 18 is notorious for having quality control variances batch to batch and although I haven't heard the same about Balvenie 21, no whiskey is immune from this.
Your whiskey journey moves along a road where your original favourites may decline in favour as you taste bigger ABV icons that carry more flavour. I started on 40% laphroaig and glen morangie before going Ardbeg ..GlenAllachie .Glendronach .. favouring the Cast strengths over 40% chill filtered and colour added. I still appreciate all genres
Probably not. I hardly hardly ever buy the same bottle twice.There are too many whiskies to try and only so much $ that usually I only buy repeats of bottles that either A) are really good value for $ B) are really rare and might not have another chance to buy ever c) are bottles that I can use for teaching purposes when I do tastings. For instance, I’ve probably purchased 5-6 bottles of Highland Park 12, Balvenie 12 double wood and Balvenie 12 single Barrel because they are so good for demonstrations in tastings of their respective flavors profiles and are good value. However, If I purchased whiskies based on buying things I like instead of things I haven’t had before, I would definitely buy a second bottle.
I wish! No but I’m planning to go distillery by distillery for awhile so that I can cover everything I have access to from each distillery in an organized way rather than jumping around like I did before
I don’t think $200 is a nonsense price when you look at the market, it’s actually quite reasonable compared to top brands which charge $300 or more for similarly aged product.
I’m having some 21 year old portwood rightnow. It’s so sweet. I’d buy it again for sure. Very enjoyable
It’s a really good bottle. But I think the 15 single barrel is the ‘gem’ of balvenie’s standard lineup especially as prices on the 21 are near $250 now.
@@MaltMondaysdo you think its too sweet?
Thank you for sharing this open words✔️
Stay healthy and take care.
Greetings Moses
It's 300 over here in the Netherlands, which is strange (we're so close to scotland, scotch is usually cheaper here, and bourbon more expensive).
At that price point you could get Cask Strength 21yo Edradours over here, or 27 year old unchillfiltered independent bottlings - it's alot to ask, isnt it?
It's my favorite bottle at the moment.
Thank you for your review well. ^^ so do you think portwood better thank 15 single barrel sherry?
Yes the port wood is definitely better than the 15 single barrel from the standpoint of complexity, smoothness, elegance, finish, etc. But the 15 single barrel has more character to it and I would personally buy 2 15’s over 1 bottle of 21. But the 21 is definitely a treat for a special occasion.
have you tried and would u recommend the caribbean cask?
It’s good. I’ll be reviewing it next week!!
do you think there is a difference between the Mac 12 old bottle shape and the new one ?
I actually think the new Macallan 12 sherry cask is slightly better than the old bottle (less sulphur), however; I seem to remember the old bottling being a little more tannic and dry which suggests slightly older whisky to me. Either way, I still think Macallan 12 is a good buy at $65 or less but generally I find Glendronach 12 a better whisky unless you enjoy that signature Macallan oiliness. If you haven't tried it the Mac 12 double cask adds a nice element of american oak sherry cask as well. Cheers!
@@MaltMondays cheers to you to
Funny, first time I had it, it was the best scotch I ever tasted. Bought it multiple times later but didn’t get the same effect.
Sadly this is true with most things. That first experience of something will always fire neurons more strongly than a repeated experience will so it's always impossible to re-capture that first taste no matter how good.
However, it is also perfectly possible subsequent bottles were inferior. Highland Park 18 is notorious for having quality control variances batch to batch and although I haven't heard the same about Balvenie 21, no whiskey is immune from this.
Your whiskey journey moves along a road where your original favourites may decline in favour as you taste bigger ABV icons that carry more flavour. I started on 40% laphroaig and glen morangie before going Ardbeg ..GlenAllachie .Glendronach .. favouring the Cast strengths over 40% chill filtered and colour added. I still appreciate all genres
what's your favorite now?
@@steelsteez6118 I find myself enjoying Johnnie blue, something about it just hits the spot.
You should do the 28!
Out of my price range!
Hi, have you or will you be buying another bottle of this?
Probably not. I hardly hardly ever buy the same bottle twice.There are too many whiskies to try and only so much $ that usually I only buy repeats of bottles that either A) are really good value for $ B) are really rare and might not have another chance to buy ever c) are bottles that I can use for teaching purposes when I do tastings.
For instance, I’ve probably purchased 5-6 bottles of Highland Park 12, Balvenie 12 double wood and Balvenie 12 single Barrel because they are so good for demonstrations in tastings of their respective flavors profiles and are good value.
However, If I purchased whiskies based on buying things I like instead of things I haven’t had before, I would definitely buy a second bottle.
You on the Balvenie payroll? Three straight (and neat!)
I wish! No but I’m planning to go distillery by distillery for awhile so that I can cover everything I have access to from each distillery in an organized way rather than jumping around like I did before
Oh man, if it wasn´t good and nice I would want my money back for that nonsense price :Dd
I don’t think $200 is a nonsense price when you look at the market, it’s actually quite reasonable compared to top brands which charge $300 or more for similarly aged product.