ABV 43%
Balances all its elements very well. One to work on.
Dave Broom
Ballantine's
Brand
Gold Seal, 12 Years Old
Expression
Blended
Type
12
Age (Years)
43%
ABV
Scotland
Region/Country
Standard (Distillery or blended)
Bottling Type
Taster
Nose: A sulphur/rubber note, mixed with light smokiness unreduced. With water comes a decidedly jaunty, maritime air with lovely soft grain behind.
Palate: Soft and clean building into a vinous, Fino sherry quality. Soft, juicy grain appears mid-palate while smoke wreathes itself about. Good feel.
Finish: Smoke. Little short.
Comment: Balances all its elements very well. One to work on.
Score: 7
Taster
Nose: Honey. Tropical fruits. Burnt currants.
Palate: Buttercream. Chocolate. Coffee.
Finish: Rummy for a moment, then lightly soothing.
Comment: Gold seal is a particularly rich version of Ballantine, but this bottling seems even sweeter and less peaty than I remember. For me, the syrupiness swamps the house character.
Score: 7.8
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