The Balvenie Portwood 21 Year Old Scotch Whisky
The Balvenie Portwood 21 Year Old Scotch Whisky is a 750mL single malt from The Balvenie Distillery in Dufftown, Scotland — a marriage of rare 21-year-old Balvenie transferred to port casks that previously held fine port wines, and sampled regularly by the Malt Master until the port character is exactly right. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- Size: 750mL
- Age: 21 years, plus a port cask finish
- Finish: Port casks (pipes) that previously held fine port wines
- Oversight: Sampled regularly by the Malt Master during finishing
- Distillery: The Balvenie, Dufftown, Scotland
- Origin: Scotland
David Stewart's Finest Creation
First released in 1996, PortWood is the whisky many consider David C. Stewart MBE's finest creation — the former Malt Master (now the brand's Honorary Ambassador) called it one of his proudest achievements, and it has won an array of coveted industry awards. Rare Balvenie aged 21 years is moved into port pipes, and the finishing whisky is sampled regularly, pulled at the moment the port fruit enhances the malt without overwhelming it. Browse the distillery on the The Balvenie vendor page or explore our Scotch whisky collection.
Tasting Notes
Per the producer: a perfume of fruity, ripe raisin notes backed by a nutty dryness on the nose; refined, creamy and silky on the palate with fruit, honey and spice; and a long, gentle, nutty finish.
How to Enjoy
Neat, in a quiet moment — this is a contemplative malt, and its silky texture is the point. A drop of water lifts the raisin and honey. More aged Balvenie is on the The Balvenie vendor page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What proof is Balvenie PortWood 21?
PortWood 21 has been bottled at more than one strength across markets and eras, so check the back label of this bottle for its exact ABV — the specification that matters is the one printed on the bottle in hand.
How is PortWood 21 finished?
After 21 years in traditional casks, the whisky is transferred to port casks that previously held fine port wines, where it is sampled regularly until the balance is right.
Who created PortWood 21?
David C. Stewart MBE, The Balvenie's former Malt Master — it is considered by many to be his finest creation, first released in 1996.
Twenty-one years, finished in port pipes — order The Balvenie PortWood 21 Year Old online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.