Product description
Ballantine 21 years old debuted in 1993, when the brand was owned by Allied Domecq.
The whiskies used in the list were aged mainly in bourbon casks, but with a larger share of sherry casks compared to the younger versions. They came from all the whisky regions in Scotland, except Campbeltown. Ballantine 21 years old is probably the most spicy version of this blend, although Glenburgie and Miltonduff still play the main role in its formula. Apart from them, the original list included Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Glencadam, Balblair, Tormore and Glentauchers. Ballantine has been the second largest selling Scotch whisky for years, closing 2018 with a result of 7.4 million bottles. Its current owner is Chivas Bros., a subsidiary of the Pernod Ricard concern.
Nose: fruity and spicy, apples, oranges, cloves, anise, white pepper, a touch of honey and vanilla, walnuts, licorice, oak and a distant hint of smoke.
Palate: caramel, honey, milk chocolate, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, orange peel, apples, roasted nuts, oak and a little smoke.
Finish: quite long, with notes of dried fruit, honey, nutmeg, cinnamon, licorice, oak and peat.