Ballantine's / Hard Fired - Whisky Magazine

Ballantine's

Hard Fired

ABV 40%
REVIEWED Issue 134

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Specifications

Brand: Ballantine's
Expression: Hard Fired
Type: Scotland Whisky / Blended
Age: No Age Statement
Year of bottling: 2016
ABV: 40%
Country/Region: Scotland
Bottling type: Standard (Distillery or blended)

Tasting notes

Taster Joel Harrison

Nose: Pear drops, strawberry yoghurt and Cool Whip give this an impression of a Scotch relying heavily on its grain component. No bad thing, when it is as balanced as this.
Palate: The palate again reveals a lot more grain, but the quality of spirit is lacking slightly, giving off too many sharp esters for this to be a real stunner.
Finish: Hot cross buns and buttered toast.
Comment: I’m undecided. Perfect for a half-n-half.

7.9

Taster Chris Goodrum

Nose: Initially very neutral, which is a surprise given its dark colour. Crisp grain with hints of sweeter grains and dried fruit. With time some estery banana and apricot appear.
Palate: Opens with some subtle sherried dried fruit. A little simple and watery with a touch of grain and creamy oak
Finish: A little spirity but the grain has a pleasant nip. Late wood spice finish.
Comment: A fairly simple blend with the nose showing more interest than the palate.

7.0

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Ballantine's Distillery, Dumbarton, Dumbartonshire, Scotland

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