Balvenie Madeira Cask 21 Year

Wow...it's like pure honey mead or dessert ice wine. In fact, if someone told me it was the latter, I would believe them. The 40% ABV helps, but still, it's like I'm not even drinking whiskey. A bit of nutmeg, spice, vanilla, white grape/wine, and more. A very interesting dram. I thought after drinking a lot of average drams my palate was off, but now it just doesn't tolerate mediocrity that well anymore. I had rinsed my glass beforehand, but this tolerates zero water, so I thoroughly dried it and had another pour, and was further rewarded. Score: 4.25 - 4.5. Now, I wouldn't say it's top-tier as it's missing at least 6% ABV, and while complex, it's not at that level. Also, it feels a bit too refined for mass-market duty-free. Plus, I wouldn't pay $220 USD per bottle. Balvenie is moving up to my top 10 distillers.

This is certainly delicious. And smooth. And velvety. It's a Balvenie, aged 21 years, after all. However, I have to admit I was underwhelmed, especially considering the price. I simply expect more from a bottle costing over $200. And the ABV is low. Between this and the portwood, I would definitely choose the portwood. As for the taste, it has a pleasant honey, light fruit, and some underlying Madeira spice that gives it a somewhat unique flavor. It's just a bit muted. I wonder what it would taste like at 46% ABV.

For his creation, David Stewart used whisky aged for two decades in oak casks, which for the final maturation period was transferred to ex-Madeira casks. Nose. Aromatic, fruity-floral, fresh pineapple juice, a spicy note of ginger, vanilla syrup. Taste. Juicy, tropical fruit salad, almond candy, cinnamon, and delicate notes of vanilla. Finish. Long and juicy, sweet malt notes, layers of vanilla and spice.

NOSE: Apple, kiwi, and orange are quickly followed by creamier vanilla notes, balanced wood spices, and a hint of pepper. It's inviting. PALATE: Excellent balance of fruit, oak, and barley. Fruit salad flavors emerge, along with frangipane, hints of cape gooseberry, and finally, soft caramel. FINISH: Grapefruit and caramel tart. It becomes nuttier with a wisp of smoke on subsequent sips, but the juicy fruit note remains.

This is the best whisky I've ever had. Smooth, rich with madeira spices, and sweet. If you don't like sweet Scotches, this might not be for you. For me, it's an incredible discovery, and I haven't found anything similar yet.

The aroma is the usual sweet Balvenie. It's fruity and floral, but a little uninspired. The body isn't as full as one might expect from a 21-year-old. The finish has spice. It's still a fine dram, but it could have been better.