Scotch

Ballantine’s 21 Year Old Scotch Whisky Review

What makes Ballantine's 21 Year Old Decanter so irresistibly sweet and creamy? Discover how old Speyside malts and classic grain create panna cotta in a glass.

OVERALL RATING

8
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Tasting Notes

About:

A rather stunning decanter expression of Ballantine’s legendary 21 year old blended whisky.
Appearance:
Golden
Nose:
Honey, wild flowers, vanilla, white chocolate, charred wood, basil and some softer notes of lemon zest.
Palate:
Creamy, gentle and loaded with sweet white chocolate and vanilla. It reminds me a lot of panna cotta, loads of texture but none of the tartness of red fruits or compotes. A little tang of old grain whisky that tastes like super gentle, brown sugar driven old bourbon. You can see why single malts like Scapa, Miltonduff, Aberlour and even Glenallachie would go into making this. They provide numerous different levels of Speyside subtlety and soft spices. Notes of milk chocolate, Mocha coffee, soft woodiness, a little touch of cumin, and still a wonderful texture.
Finish:
More brown sugar on the finish with some long, lingering notes of sweet caramel and gentle herbaceous notes – think about sweet basil and sage. It leans a little more savoury towards the end, but it’s still welcoming, gentle and shows off decent character for its age.
Comments:
A very good showcase of mostly old Speyside whiskies with some classic old grain in there, too. Very well put together but leans with that sweeter edge that can be so welcoming to anyone who drinks it.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Phil Dwyer

Phil Dwyer is a freelance whisky writer and consultant. With a decade of experience in whisky retail and nearly as long running Whisky Wednesday on YouTube, Phil is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow whisky lovers. His goal is to make whisky accessible and enjoyable, dispelling the jargon and complexity that can sometimes surround the spirit. In addition to his online presence, Phil managed The Whisky Shop Manchester, where he curated an impressive selection of some of the finest drams available.

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