48.3% ABV – 96.6 Proof
Suggested Retail Price: $100
Distiller Rating: 90
Drinkhacker Rating: A-

Mark Garbin’s Review: Now we come to the most startling moment of our story, the 14-year Peat Week.

Confession: This became my gateway bottle to the world of smoky whisky. When I drank it long ago, the dram’s earthy, heather fragrance surprised me. I expected more Islay style.

Silly me. This is still a Speyside with more subtle peat. The incremental earth seduces your senses; it doesn’t blast them to smithereens!

It remains, to this day, one of my go-to drams; one that share’s the brand’s innate qualities.

A glass before or after dinner will give the Enthusiast and Adventurer a fresh palate opener or become a sought after end to a fine feast.

You might also savor it with a mild stogie that brings out the char in the liquid and tamps down the leaf’s strength.

If, like me, you want to step onto a grassy knoll sometimes, here’s your green flag!

Distiller.com: This peated whisky from Balvenie has a wonderfully smoky, peaty, even meaty aroma in the glass. It delivers on these promises on the palate, too: It’s savory and smoky, and full-bodied, with hints of pear and almond to balance its assertive character. A little bit of heat lingers on finish with smoke and vanilla. It’s an excellent single malt that would be perfect for sipping by a campfire. – Jacob Grier

Drinkhacker.com: The result is a classic Balvenie expression with honey, vanilla and citrus notes with an extra layer of delicate smokiness. As near as I can tell this is simply Balvenie Peat Week, but without a vintage associated with it (the usual M.O. for this bottling). It’s much closer to the 2002 vintage than the 2003, a much more gentle smokiness lacing itself in beautifully — on both the nose and the palate — with the whisky’s innately floral, honeyed character. The finish has a stone fruit sweetness and a touch of briny iodine, with a sharp hit of citrus on the back end that seems pulled from the sherry playbook (though Peat Week is always drawn from 100% bourbon barrels). Fun stuff.

40% ABV – 80 Proof
Suggested Retail Price: $250+
Distiller Rating: 93
Whiskey Reviewer Rating: A

Mark Garbin’s Review: Balvenie’s core product range ends with the 21-year Portwood. It carries over the same iconic aroma adding port’s sugared tinge derived from barrels that stored the rich wine for over three decades.

The silky yet full sense in the mouth showcases the distiller’s art where no lone facet dominates and each attribute is in concord.

Relish this beauty neat before a meal or with a smooth Robusto as your reward for a week well worked.

The $250 retail price tag makes it expensive for those starting out, but the mature Enthusiast and Adventurer may find it for under $200 if they try.

Distiller.com: Dried red fruits, floral heather, nuts, and wood spices are some of what you’ll pick up on tasting. What really catches your eye, though (or rather, your mouth) is the sensuality of this whisky. Not just in a sweet, smoldering sensuality, but in the way the whisky feels in your mouth; and as it eases down your throat. Make sure to share with a loved (or liked) one. – Stephanie Moreno

The Whiskey Reviewer: The Balvenie Portwood is first and foremost a delicate, well-balanced spirit. Insofar as sipping whiskey goes, it’s not the sort of thing you sip and enjoy while your mind wanders on other matters. The Portwood is the sort of thing you sip, and then ponder on how it got such a profound texture. It practically whispers “study me” from the snifter.    

43% ABV – 86 Proof
Suggested Retail Price: $60+
Distiller Rating: 89
Whiskey Reviewer Rating: B+

Mark Garbin’s Review: The Caribbean Cask, aged fourteen years, takes the Twelve’s scent but infuses tropical fruits into the nose. On the palate, the rum casks produce a sugar cane island extract that morphs into an easy Speyside smolder absent much oak. This harmony between two different liquors provides joy for the Enthusiast with no chance of a letdown.  Plain before eating works but try this as a substitute for rum in a highball. Nice!

Distiller.com: Aging whisky in rum casks can be a tricky proposition as the whisky can become overly “rummed”. To be successful, the rum should just enhance the whisky, not overpower it. The Balvenie have done well here. Tropical fruits, vanilla, and honey are present, but it isn’t intensely molasses or funky. – Stephanie Moreno

The Whiskey Reviewer: The Balvenie Caribbean Cask drink like a bigger, more potent scotch. In addition, it moves the mouth activity to the front and sides of the tongue and keeps it there before gradually fading out. The whole experience is one that is rich and creamy and satisfying.  The finish is driven by a smooth, soft vanilla flavor. This is an easy drinking single malt that is enjoyable for regular Scotch drinkers, but is particularly easy for those whisky/whiskey drinkers interested in trying some fine single malt Scotch for the first time. – Father John Rayls