Ballantine 30 Yrs
A powerful, luxurious, and exceptionally rare blended Scotch whisky, aged for a minimum of 30 years. Renowned for its profound complexity, elegant sweetness, and long, lasting finish, it's considered a masterpiece of blending.
Ballantine's 30 Year Old is a testament to the art of whisky blending, meticulously crafted from a selection of the rarest and most exquisite malt and grain whiskies, each matured for at least three decades. This deep old gold spirit offers a truly luxurious sensory experience. On the nose, it presents a rich tapestry of deep, soft, fruity aromas intertwined with an elegant sweetness and subtle vanilla oakiness. The palate unfolds with a complex and perfectly balanced medley of honey, delicate floral notes, juicy fruits like pear and peach, and a continuing whisper of vanilla. The finish is remarkably long, lingering, and elegantly satisfying, making it a whisky to be savored on truly special occasions. Some of the rare whiskies in this blend originate from distilleries that are no longer in existence, adding to its unique character and heritage.
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep old gold.
Nose: Deep, soft, fruity aromas (dried fruit, pears, apricots), elegant sweetness, and vanilla oakiness. Hints of warm meadow and hay, evolving into cereal notes with a touch of liquorice.
Palate: A complex balance of honey, delicate floral notes, and juicy fruit flavours (dates, apples, pears, peaches) with prominent notes of vanilla. Creamy, reminiscent of cream soda, with demerara sugar and well-balanced grain and oak flavours.
Recognition
World Whiskies Awards 2024: Best Scotch Blended – Ballantine's / 30 Years Old
International Spirits Challenge (ISC): Gold Medal and ISC Trophy (multiple times, including Category Champion for Blended Scotch Whisky).
Food Pairings
Chocolate Desserts: The sweetness and complexity of the whisky can beautifully complement rich dark chocolate or caramel-based desserts.
Smoked Meats: The subtle oak and fruit notes can pair well with smoked duck, venison, or a quality smoked salmon.
Aged Cheeses: Rich, aged cheddar, blue cheese, or a creamy Brie can create a delightful contrast and enhance the whisky's depth.
Serving Suggestions
Neat: The most recommended way to experience the full depth of its character.
On the Rocks: A single, large ice cube can gently open up the flavors without over-diluting.
With a Splash of Water: A few drops of pure water can unlock hidden aromas and soften the edges, revealing more of its intricate profile.
Interesting Facts
Legacy of Blending: Ballantine's has a rich history dating back to 1827 when George Ballantine began as a grocer before venturing into whisky blending. The brand has been producing blended Scotch for over a century.
Rare Components: The 30 Year Old expression contains some whiskies from distilleries that are no longer in operation, making it a unique and increasingly rare bottling.
Masterpiece of the Master Blender: Achieving such a balanced and complex blend after 30 years of maturation requires exceptional skill and artistry from the Master Blender.