The Balvenie - single malt scotch

[Agricola]

I was given a bottle of this for my birthday CLICK and have found it to be the best whisky I've ever sampled. I tried the 12 year old as a cheaper alternative but it just can't measure up to it's older sibling. The 12yr old tastes rather sharp and a bit rough when against the 21 yr old and I just can't go back to anything less now. The only problem with this is that the 21 yr old costs over ?80!

The stuff is the nectar of the Gods without a doubt and the price tag doesn't let you forget it, however I just can't enjoy the taste of anything else after having this stuff! I only drink this once a week on a Saturday with a good cigar and the last bottle can do me for atleast 6 weeks.

As for the taste it's just so smooth and silky, even my mum who doesn't like whisky had a taste of it and she says it's the only whisky she likes. I'm no whisky connoisseur by any stretch of the imagination but a bit of this with one ice cube and an RASCC was pure heaven. As Churchill once said "I'm a man of simple tastes. Easily satisfied with the best."

[monkey66]

A slippery slope once you are on the good stuff.

[celsis]

It certainly is! Try some Ardbeg Uigeadail and see what is good for you!

[Agricola]

I know, I've bemoaned getting that bottle for my birthday. Although it is easily the best liquer I've ever sampled in my life it means that I'm turning my nose up to anything that doesn't compare! There used to be a time when I'd be happy getting a bottle of supermarket brand/bog standard blended but now I'd rather go without!

I've been ruined! Cuban cigars and 21 year old Scotch has caused me to restrict my smoking and drinking to once a week, after that RASCC I haven't been able to face a mini! Why do the good things in life cost so much more?

[Non chill filtered]

If it takes @ 6 weeks to finish the bottle then it is money well spent.
A night on the town drinking watered down lager will cost more than that.
Always buy the best you can afford. Thats my motto.

Lee

[celsis]

Agri, I was home on the Isle of Mull last year and was in Tobermory (Balamory to the kids) and i noticed there was a whisky tasting going on in the the tourist office. They had a Balvenie 25 and it was lovely! I asked the price and it was ?70. The guy looked at me and said, "Your're a malt man then?" I asked him how he knew and he said that when he gave me the price, I didn't even blink!

[Wardjrz]

Agricola

Firstly - I'm not a man to tell anyone else how to drink his whisky, you pays your money and you takes your chance.

And I don't usually add anything to my malts (no mater what the abv) until I've had a good taste. I might then add a few drops of water to help the nose and bring out some of the lighter flavours.

Ice in a malt will restrict the nose and prevent some of the flavours maturing. Tried at room temperature the fats and oils in a whisky will help the flavour develop as it warms slightly. Ice causes them to contract and prevents flavour release.

But as I said it's your bottle you drink it how you like it.

It is a mighty fine dram though.

Other excellent malts in the same price bracket include:
Glenfarclas 25y.o., Highland Park 18y.o., Talisker 18y.o., Bruichladdich 18y.o.

This list is only my experience and not put here as a definitive list of good whiskies.

I find that a peated whisky goes well with a cigar for me. They seem to bring out a sweetness in each other.

Two 'penneth firmly thrown in...

[Agricola]

Agricola

Firstly - I'm not a man to tell anyone else how to drink his whisky, you pays your money and you takes your chance.

And I don't usually add anything to my malts (no mater what the abv) until I've had a good taste. I might then add a few drops of water to help the nose and bring out some of the lighter flavours.

Ice in a malt will restrict the nose and prevent some of the flavours maturing. Tried at room temperature the fats and oils in a whisky will help the flavour develop as it warms slightly. Ice causes them to contract and prevents flavour release.

But as I said it's your bottle you drink it how you like it.

It is a mighty fine dram though.

Other excellent malts in the same price bracket include:
Glenfarclas 25y.o., Highland Park 18y.o., Talisker 18y.o., Bruichladdich 18y.o.

This list is only my experience and not put here as a definitive list of good whiskies.

I find that a peated whisky goes well with a cigar for me. They seem to bring out a sweetness in each other.

Two 'penneth firmly thrown in...

No offence taken, many have told me not to put ice in. However I still drink it at room temperature, I only put one ice cube in a glass then pour the whisky over it. I only start to drink the whisky after the ice has melted, perhaps this week I'll try putting in a tea spoon of water instead and see if it makes a difference.

[Non chill filtered]

Anything above 46 abv I consider adding a few drops of bottled spring water preferably from Scotland.
I do not use tap water or ice cubes as I believe it can tarnish a good malt and mask the flavour and aroma.
I believe Non chill filtration and natural colouring is the future of good malt whisky, sadly there are only a few distilleries willing to craft this way.
Anything from Ardbeg is always beautifully crafted and a joy to drink. My 2p.

Lee

[Agricola]

Buy a bottle of Balvenie 21yr portwood through the whisky exchange and get four free coasters, yeah I know what you're all thinking "Four free drinks coasters? Big deal!". Well I thought so too but when the bottle came I was rather impressed, the outside of the coaster is covered with a piece of stitched leather (I'm not sure what's on the inside) with the Balvenie seal embossed in one corner. Here is the link CLICK.

[whisky77]

Never tried the 21YO, but the 15YO is a fine dram. Will keep my eyes peeled for the 21YO though.

[Puff Scotty]

I've dried my eyes & stopped weeping now


Fing ICE in 21 yr old Balvenie?


No No No ! Little bit of water only ...PERLEEES!


Sixpence worth!

[Agricola]

I tried it with a drop of water last weekend and found I prefer the taste when I put just one ice cube in and let that melt. I don't know why but it just tastes better putting the water in via a single ice cube!