Ballantine's 17 Years Old

Tasted in Whisky Magazine Issue 17 by Michael Jackson and Dave Broom.

Whisky Magazine is the perfect complement to the dram in your glass. Every issue brings you fascinating articles on the art, science and romance of the 'water of life', plus page after page of tasting notes.

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Tasting Notes

Michael Jackson Nose I could be in a leather armchair before a peat fire in the Highlands. Tinge of soot-very evocative. Palate An astonishing freshness. Some cereal-grain sweetness. Grassy. Burnt grass. Peat. Finish Dry. Elegant. Comment The blending skills at Ballantine have long been renowned. The 17 has always seemed to me the most eloquent demonstration of that. Beautifully composed and mature.

Dave Broom Nose This needs water to reveal smoke, cooked vegetable, cocoa, walnut, wet leather and coffee. Palate A soft and quite creamy start then a burst of coal-like smoke halfway through. Hint of vanilla, orange juice, cream and biscuity crunchiness. Finish Medium length and very juicy. Comment I was surprised when the bottle was revealed. This has been a favourite for a while, but not on this occasion.