Ballantine's 23 Year American Oak Casks

This week, I had the pleasure of sampling a remarkable whisky, exclusively available in global Duty Free shops: the Ballantine's 23, aged in American White Oak. Ballantine's, renowned for incorporating whiskies from all of Scotland's regions in their blends, has produced an excellent expression here. On the nose: Oranges and that signature Ballantine vanilla, a fondant-like aroma. Cake, mineral notes akin to salt. Herbal, like a fresh meadow. A hint of peat, Toffee, and Grapefruit. Quite pleasant aromatically. On the palate, the flavors are limited to three, a bit direct. Chocolate, vanilla, and pepper. The finish is a delightful reward. It's genuinely like vanilla ice cream with dulce de leche. Lemons and currants are present. Overall, this blend is exceptionally smooth, easy to drink, and while its prominent profile is fruity and sweet, it retains a subtle mineral quality from the small amount of peat. Rated 84 out of 100.