Glenmorangie Signet or Balvenie 21 Port Wood?

@teebone673 Congratulations on the awesome wife and 40th birthday! You can't go wrong either way; both are excellent whiskies. The Balvenie is more similar to the standard line, with just a touch of influence from the port wood. The Signet is distinct because of the older stock blended with 'chocolate' malted barley (meaning that the barley is roasted until dark). It's great and gives more notes of coffee, chocolate, and that sort of thing. If you want to try something a bit richer but in keeping with the usual expression, Balvenie 21 would be good. If you'd like to try something well-made but very different, the Signet would do you well.

@numen Thanks man! The Signet definitely is something unique and your description has my mouth watering. This is a tough choice as I love the general Balvenie profile and have never been disappointed with Balvenie expressions. Sounds like either way I can't go wrong. Thanks again!

@teebone673, @numen said it all.

Something else to consider. Depending on where you are living, you are much more likely to be able to get a taster of the Balvenie 21. I can buy sampler sets consisting of the 12,15,and 21 for $20.00 in Tennessee. The Signet, however, a bit more difficult to get. Is it still being produced, or was it a limited run, like the Private Editions?

@Onibubba good idea with the taster. I've tried to find that Balvenie taster and have yet to find it. As far as the Signet, I believe it is ongoing, but I could be wrong. The Signet is definitely harder to find than the Balvenie 21 in my neck of the woods. I can grab the Balvenie 21 at the corner. Signet is much harder to come by, though the main store I go to says they are showing they can order it.

@teebone673 Congratulations on the upcoming birthday festivities, wives are awesome when they give you this sort of quest to follow. I have not had either the 21 port wood or the Signet, that said I have had plenty of other expressions that both distilleries offer. I would say then that the road lest traveled would be my choice, if Signet is tougher get then take that one. The 21 port wood will always be there. Hope this was helpful. :)

@PMessinger great advice, my friend. I'm definitely starting to lean toward the Signet. I can always grab Balvenie 21. This may be one of the few chances to grab the Signet.