Ballantine’s 30 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky

Tasting Note: 

• Appearance: A deep, old gold hue with shimmering mahogany tones, hinting at its long cask slumber. The liquid is full-bodied and clings luxuriously to the glass, promising a rich and complex experience.
• Aroma: A beguiling nose unfolds like a treasure chest of aromas. Initially, a wave of ripe autumn fruits – plump raisins, juicy prunes, and sweet dates – greets you. This sweetness deepens with notes of honey, caramelized sugar, and vanilla, hinting at the oak influence. As the aroma opens up, subtle whispers of spice emerge – cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of clove – adding warmth and complexity. Deep in the background, a touch of leather and aged wood speaks of the whisky’s long journey.
• Palate: The first sip envelopes the palate in a rich, velvety embrace. The initial sweetness of honey and fruit explodes, quickly balanced by a touch of oak-derived tannin and a wave of warming spice. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger dance on the tongue, joined by a whisper of orange peel and cloves. The oak influence is present but beautifully integrated, providing a solid backbone and notes of toasted wood and subtle smoke. Silky smooth and immensely satisfying, the whisky unfolds its layers with each sip, revealing further notes of dark chocolate, leather, and tobacco in the mid-palate.
• Finish: The finish is long, lingering, and incredibly satisfying. The warmth of spice and oak remains on the tongue, joined by a whisper of honey and a touch of chocolate. It fades slowly, leaving a memory of richness and complexity that lingers long after the last drop.

Overall, Ballantine’s 30 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky is a masterpiece of blending, offering a symphony of flavor and an exceptional drinking experience. The marriage of mature whiskies creates a depth and complexity that is truly remarkable. It’s smooth, rich, and endlessly flavorful, perfect for savoring neat or enjoying with a splash of water to release its hidden treasures. This is a whisky to be treasured, contemplated, and enjoyed slowly, relishing each precious sip.

Food Pairing:

Ballantine’s 30 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky’s richness and complexity demand equally sophisticated food pairings. Here are some suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

Savory:

• Luxury Game Meats: Pair the whisky’s depth and spice with the intensity of venison, boar, or duck. A rich sauce with berries or figs complements the fruit notes, while the oak and tannins cut through the richness.
• Aged Cheeses: Aged Comté, Gruyère, or aged Gouda offer a salty counterpoint to the whisky’s sweetness. The complex notes of the cheese harmonize with the whisky’s oak and spice, while the creamy texture contrasts with the spirit’s warmth.
• Foie Gras: The decadent richness of foie gras finds a delicate balance in the whisky’s sweetness and spice. Opt for a pan-seared preparation with caramelized fruits or a touch of honey to create a luxurious pairing.
• Smoked Salmon: The whisky’s oak and smoky notes find a natural partner in the smokiness of salmon. Pair with thinly sliced salmon alongside cucumber, dill, and crème fraîche for a refreshing and elegant option.

Sweet:

• Dark Chocolate: The bitter notes of dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) stand up to the whisky’s sweetness and spice. Choose chocolate with hints of caramel, raisin, or nuts to further echo the whisky’s profile.
• Fruit Crumble with Aged Sherry: Apple, pear, or fig crumble with a drizzle of aged sherry offers a contrasting sweetness and acidity. The oak notes of the whisky complement the crumble’s buttery topping, while the tannins cut through the richness.
• Honey & Spice-infused Desserts: Baked pears or figs with honey, cinnamon, and ginger find a delightful counterpart in the whisky’s similar spice notes. The sweetness balances the oak and tannins, creating a warm and comforting finish.

• Avg Price (ex-tax)
• $ 388 / 700 ml / 40% abv

POWERFUL AND LUXURIOUS WITH JUICY PEAR AND PEACH FLAVOURS. BALLANTINE’S 30 YEAR OLD SCOTCH, BEST ENJOYED AS A REWARD FOR SOMETHING TRULY OUTSTANDING.

SOME OF THE RAREST WHISKIES COME FROM DISTILLERIES THAT ARE NO LONGER IN EXISTENCE. A RICH, SWEET BLEND OF INCREDIBLY RARE SCOTCH WHISKIES AGED 30 YEARS OLD AND OVER.

https://www.ballantines.com/en/range/ballantines-30-year-old/