Description
Old Ballantruan 10 years Single Malt
The Old Ballantruan 10 years single malt is produced at the Tomintoul distillery and is therefore actually a Speysider, which are usually known for mild and non-peaty malts. Atypically, however, this one has not only a clear smoky aroma, but it is also definitely a stormy Scotch, filled with 50% alcohol. It is dedicated to the peat cutters in the fields, who are shown also on the exclusive dark packaging. In the sunset they dig the famous peat from the Scottish high moors, over which the barley is roasted for whisky production. Thus, the typical smoke flavor is added already in the stage of malting to the later distillate.
Where does it come from?
Even if we would otherwise suspect the smoky whiskies to be rather on the island of Islay, we now have a strong smoky Speysider from the edge of the Highlands. The Tomintoul Distillery is in the Cromdale Hills on the edge of the Highlands. Tomintoul means “hill with barns” and impressively describes the beautiful area in which this delicate malt is produced. The precious water for the production is not taken from the nearby river Avon, but from the spring Ballantruan, which gushes near to the village of Tomintoul and which our single malt owes its name.
The distillery has four stills that can produce up to 3.2 million liters of alcohol per year. There are various bottlings without age indication on the market. But this 10-year-old single malt is standing out for its amazing complexity. With the designated maturation time, it presents a bouquet of further aromas from the ex-bourbon storage barrels in addition to the smoky note.
How does it taste?
In the aroma, earthy peat smoke mixes with oak and fine spices. Take your time to enjoy this dram and to let the palate get used to the creamy peat smoke note. Behind this, a fruity sweetness emerges with a hint of vanilla notes, shining through spicy wooden tones. A pinch of black pepper spreads creamy and full-bodied on the tongue. Dark caramel and a fine grapefruit aroma end in a long finish with pleasant smoky tones and a warming hint of walnut.
Have also a look at our tasting videos and enjoy the background articles in our blog “All about Whisky”.
Type: Single Malt Whisky
Nose: Slightly spicy, sweet and creamy
Palate: Mild peat smoke, fruity sweetness with delicate vanilla and pepper notes, slightly malty
Finish: Sweet caramel and juicy grapefruit, with delicious peat and hints of walnuts
Mariana –
Surprisingly smooth and ballanced for a 10 year old one. It has a special strong, but wonderful creamy peat aroma, which is going perfectly with the peppry spicy wood notes. The bottle was not lasting very long… seems I have to get anotherone. 😉
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