Ballantine's GOld Seal, 12 Years Old

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

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Tasting Notes

Michael Jackson 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.

Dave Broom 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.