Ballantine's
7.4

Ballantine's

Gold Seal, 12 Years Old

ABV 43%

Balances all its elements very well. One to work on.

Dave Broom

Specification

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

Tasting Notes

Dave Broom

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

Michael Jackson

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

7.4
Overall Score

From The Distillery

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