Ballantine's 12 Year Pure Malt

This is an older expression, a Ballantine's 12yo Pure Malt, which takes us back to before 2005 when "pure malt" was a legal term for "vatted malt" or what is now legally known as "blended malt." This signifies that no grain whisky was used, and the blend consists entirely of various single malts. Bottled at 40% ABV, I estimate this bottle dates from 2002 or 2003 and carries a 12-year age statement. Nose: Grassy, dry grass, hay, vanilla, and malted barley. Palate: Exceptionally smooth, with vanilla and heather. Finish: A delightful finish, the highlight. It offers a malted barley taste with an elegant touch of subtle peat and heather. Overall, a very interesting dram. While perhaps a bit too straightforward, it represents a piece of history today. Score: 84/100.

Tastes quite good, but I don't understand that much whisky. Reasonably smooth in flavor.

Lacks significant flavor.