Infinity bottle part #2 - balvenie portwood 17YO

Some weeks after the first instalment of my infinity bottle, I added my second instalment: the Balvenie 17YO port wood cask.

BALVENIE 17YO port wood cask - single malt scotch

Balvenie make a number of exceptional whiskies using different styles or usages of casks (including double cask, triple cask, rum casks and of course sherry casks). Each different style imparts in own flavours but for me the port cask is the most delightful because of the contrast between Port and malted whisky which actually combine to form something more than the aumof the parts. The port flavours, both on the nose and taste, are not overwhelming but nonetheless distinctive. The oak imparts additional finesse to a well rounded whisky. Not peaty with a robust finish and decent length. There are not that many whiskies using port casks and certainly none that are anywhere as good (happy to be corrected - please let me know what you have tried).

Suggested cigar pairing

The Trinidad Vigia is a powerful cigar: not for the uninitiated. Aside from the hefty price tag, this cigar is a handful to smoke by itself. However, I found the intense cigar flavour was both mellowed and enhanced when pairing with the Balvenie 17yo port wood. The length of the whisky is already very good but the combination with the Trinidad Vigia kept both flavours going even longer.

Let me know if there's something out there you would like to ask about. Happy to share more soon 😊