The Balvenie - 29 March 2008 @ 7pm GMT

[woodhill]

Thanks David

[David22]

PORTWOOD 21 HAS HAD SIGNIFICANTLY LONGER TO PICK UP CASK FLAVOURS. IT IS VERY DIFFERENT AS YOU KNOW. THE YOUNGER PORTWOODS WHILE GOOD, HAVE LESS OAKY NOTES IN COMPARISON. MAYBE YOU THINK WE COULD HAVE THEM SPEND LONGER FINISHING? HOWEVER, PORT FLAVOUR ISNT WHAT WE WANT. WHAT IS WANTED IS A HINT OF AN ALTERNATIVE FRUITINESS TO ADD COMPLEXITY.

[Willie JJ]

David what you say about the portwood is very interesting. I guess we would expect, pro-rata, that the portwood would have less effect on the 21 yo than the 1991 (i.e. less % of wood time is port wood). Or, possibly, if the 21years in other wood has mellowed the malt before it hits the port, then maybe it has more effect.

Opinion?

[woodhill]

I think I was trying to suggest Willies second opinion.

David whatever the case they have done a fine job on both!

[Willie JJ]

[quote="Ganga"][quote="Willie JJ"]Ganga don't you think there is a little element of solvent in the nose of Balvenie that doesn't appear in the HP? It's not a bad thing. Just different.[/quote]
I think I'd describe it as more estery than the HP.

Wait, there it is with bananas.[/quote]

I suspect we have the same idea just a different interpretation.

What is it with you and Bananas? Do you have shares in a banana company?

[Ganga]

The DW one more time.

DoubleWood from Three Pack
Brand : The Balvenie Expression : Doublewood
Nose : Bananas, heather, malty sweetness Palate : Honeyed cereals, late summer heather, a hint of apples, spices Finish : Nice and spicey, some oakiness Comment : - Colour : medium to dark gold Score : 0
Age : 12 Years Old Vintage : 0 ABV : 43% Bottler : Original Bottling	Type : Single Malt Region : Speyside Water : Not now Ice : No Glass : Celtic Malts Glass Notes : -
More tasting notes by None Please do not reproduce or copy this tasting note without permission.

[David22]

Well everyone, I have to climb the stairs of the hotel tonight - some kids have managed to cause the lift to malfunction! Oh well, may be I will call in to the bar for that energising Balvenie night cap! Which one should it be?! After all your comments - wonderful they are - I will have to make a decision! Should it be Single Barrel (I wonder which cask it is from - I have had some intriguingly smokey SBs) or PortWood? Hmmmmm - please help me make my decision now!

[Ganga]

I suspect we have the same idea just a different interpretation.

What is it with you and Bananas? Do you have shares in a banana company?

It's the old banana in the tail pipe thing. You haven't seen the new tasting notes either.

[Ganga]

Go for the single barrel. It's Russian roulette with a good result.

I'm having a dram of the 21 Portwood in the Celtic Malts glass. Notes to follow.

[David22]

I also am a great banana fan. They feature big time with some blends. Banana is just lightly seens in Balvenie, in my opinion

[woodhill]

David

Just found this Video

That you?

Cool check this out

http://www.drivenmag.com/598.0.html?&nid=4483

[David22]

My opinion is that the Port Pipe finish has a fairly noticeable effect on the 21. The oakiness combines well with the Portiness. The younger PortWoods are of course less smooth which may detract from any portiness. Sorry if this sounds waffly!

[woodhill]

I think thats what we are finding, but I have just poured myself another '91 just to make sure...
Purely in the interests of research you will understand!

[David22]

Yes, that is me! It was almost a surreal day in Toronto and I have never been surrounded by so may journalists and tv crews! It was big new in Toronto and I loved every second of it!

[Ganga]

Portwood 21 again.

21 Portwood from Three Pack
Brand : The Balvenie Expression : 21 yo Portwood
Nose : Sawdust, very light heather and honey, light maltiness, faint fruits Palate : Orange compote, heather, other floral, honey, malty, spicy Finish : Long with a rich spiciness intermingle with dark orange flavors. Comment : This seems so different. Must present this slightly differently to my palate. Colour : Amber Gold Score : 77
Age : 21 Years Old Vintage : 0 ABV : 43% Bottler : Original Bottling	Type : Single Malt Region : Speyside Water : No Ice : No Glass : Celtic Malts Glass Notes : -
More tasting notes by None Please do not reproduce or copy this tasting note without permission.

[Willie JJ]

Yeah David. Ganga is spot on. It's always nice to be surprised by a dram, especially when you are sure it will be a nice surprise.

Cheers and thanks for joining us.

[Ganga]

I think thats what we are finding, but I have just poured myself another '91 just to make sure...
Purely in the interests of research you will understand!

You mean I've been doing something other than research?

[woodhill]

Thanks David.

Don't go being a stranger now.

Stick around!

[Willie JJ]

Oh and on Balvenie Cask 191, have you tried it?

[Ganga]

Wait a minute, I just found raisins in the 21 Portwood. Really getting yummy now.

[David22]

Thanks very much everyone. I have really enjoyed chatting tonight. Was worried that I would manage it atall on this occasion. Take care, drink sensibly and enjoy!
Keep in touch if you can,
Very best wishes,
David

[woodhill]

Strange that.

Matt didnt send us a sample of that 191 stuff?

He should have done

[Ganga]

David, thank you for joining us tonight. I know I gained insight into The Balvenie range.

[woodhill]

David

Do you have any information on why Balvenie would do away with one of the best of the range (The 10 yo FR) and replace it with something more bland?

I think it has something to do with needing stock of 12yo and older whiskies.

It is a shame though. Sitting around with some guys this Friday night we almost polished a complete bottle off.

I am going to stock up on this!

[David22]

Cask 191 - yes, tried it on a few occasions with David Stewart. It is a truly remarkable experience. Plenty dark chocolate, ginger spiciness and light smoke. Sorry to tease you but when I get the chance I never refuse!
D

[woodhill]

[Willie JJ]

[quote="Ganga"]Wait a minute, I just found raisins in the 21 Portwood. Really getting yummy now.[/quote]

Ganga are you sure the kids didn't drop them in when you weren't looking?

[Ganga]

Well gentlemen (and ladies if they are still lurking), I am being kicked off the computer. Thank you for the enjoyable afternoon.

[Ganga]

Wait a minute, I just found raisins in the 21 Portwood. Really getting yummy now.

Ganga are you sure the kids didn't drop them in when you weren't looking?

They wouldn't dare. They want me off the computer.

[David22]

I understand your disappointment on the 10 subject. But, as you know, evolution affects Balvenie too and while 10 will be put to rest after next year, we think David Stewart has made a good decision and yes, it is a good idea to put aside some 10 for your personal archives!!!

[Willie JJ]

I have to say I thought the Signature was fine. I wasn't in anyway disappointed with it. Do you think I should rip the top off a founders reserve to check?

[Willie JJ]

Night Ganga.

[David22]

Good night everyone. This is my final message!
David

[woodhill]

Ganga - time to treat yourself to a laptop and a wireless connection!

[Willie JJ]

Night David