Balvenie 21 years old The Second Red Rose - 70cl

The Balvenie The Second Red Rose is a prestigious 21-year-old Scottish single malt whisky, released as the fifth expression in the acclaimed The Balvenie Stories collection. This expression stands out historically as the distillery's first-ever whisky finished in Australian Shiraz red wine casks, giving it a subtle pink hue and a deeply fruity flavor profile.The Story Behind the NameThe name pays tribute to a 15th-century local legend connected to Balvenie Castle. Margaret Douglas (the beautiful Fair Maid of Galloway), widow of the 8th Earl of Douglas, continued living in the castle after the property passed to the crown. As annual rent to King James II of Scotland, she paid a single red rose of vibrant magenta color, considered a symbol of extreme beauty and immense value.This narrative previously inspired a highly rare 2008 release — the 16-year-old Balvenie Rose (finished in Port pipes and exclusive to distillery visitors). Renowned Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE decided to revive this historical chapter with the release of The Second Red Rose.Key CharacteristicsAge: 21 years old.ABV: 48.1%.Maturation: Initially aged in American oak ex-bourbon barrels before finishing in Shiraz wine casks.Natural Color: Rose gold with reddish highlights.Filtering: Non-chill filtered and natural color.Official Tasting NotesNose: Intense ripe fruits and earthy notes combined with sweet aromas of fresh mango and soft oak.Palate: An initial burst of blackberry and ripe peach, followed by vibrant oak notes, cracked black pepper, and woody spices.Finish: Long, decadent, and indulgent, where summer fruit notes give way to a lingering touch of oak and soft floral elegance.