While the Tomintoul distillery is well-known for its laid-back expression (earning the nickname "the gentle dram"), it also produces a line of heavily-peated whiskies released under the Old Ballantruan name. This expression, launched in mid-2018, features smoky whisky matured for at least 15 years before bottling at 50% ABV.
Roast chestnuts, pencil shavings, nectarine and a hint of sherry.
Campfire embers and red berries, joined by milky coffee later on.
Old leather and runny honey.
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I like a softer peat and this one feels great for that time when you crave for that peaty smell. Still not Ardbeg but gentle and smooth
Don't take any notice of the tasting notes above. I have no idea where the person who wrote this gets red berries and sherry from? In fact, this single malt was matured exclusively in Ex-Bourbon casks with lovely luscious ripe yellow fruits, honey and treacle cake. The peat is domiant (but not as harsh as the NAS expression showing signs of mellowing), totally unlike the typical coastal Islay peated whiskies and more like a heavy forrest fire, new leather, dry vanilla, sweet and fruity charcoal wood smoke, apple and sultana caramelised crunchy strudel, smoky custard. A touch of parev bitter chocolate with slight coffee perhaps?. Stewed yellow fruits with caramel cake and honey on the long finish. Worth every penny.
