Alright, im finally getting around to reviewing my current stock. I have 12 open bottles on the shelf and I will start to review them now.

First up, is an 2014 Christmas gift from my parents -

Balvenie 21 year old, Portwood - 43% ABV, cost retails for $129-$219 in my area depending on the store.

Color: Dark red, Amberish...on par with the rich deep sherry whiskies (like Glendronach 12, 15). Not sure if color was added to this, probably?

Nose: I could nose this dram all day long. I found myself nosing the empty glencairn for probably 20 minutes after the whisky was gone. I got berries, honey, fruitcake, more dried fruit, and more honey.

Palate: Again with the fruitcake, dried fruit (raisins), I get hints of cinnamon spice in the taste.

Finish: I get a liquorice (similar to Sambuca) finish combined with vanilla and honey. I would say the finish is similar to most other Balvenie's ive had.

Notes: I guess because its called "Portwood" I had it tattooed in mind that I was going to get port wine notes out of this. I think maybe in the nose or the finish i can trick myself into thinking thats what i taste, but its extremely subtle if its there.

One thing I would like to point out about this specific bottle is the outrageous price difference I see on it depending on the store and location. With most whiskies, deviation in retail price is typically plus or minus $20, 30 max. Ive literally seen this bottle $100 cheaper at a store that was only 10 miles up the road from another. I never asked my father which store he got it from, but i certainly hope it was the one that had it for $129 and not $229.

Score: 85/100 - Its a good dram. I would say its consistent quality with the rest of the Balvenie core range. Regarding the price however, Balvenie seems to command premium retail these days. Even at $130 i could probably find 2 bottles of something else of the same quality.