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