Ballantine's Miltonduff 15 Year

I am commencing a series of reviews for the core malts of Ballantine's, specifically focusing on three 15-year-old expressions hitting the market this year. Miltonduff 15yo, a Speyside malt, now features labeling that clearly states 'Ballantine's single malts' to link this well-known whisky with lesser-known distilleries. Bottled at 40% ABV. The aroma is standard and clean, with notes of caramel, coffee, vanilla, wet grass, floral elements, and fresh fields. The palate is somewhat watery, with notes of chocolate, pepper, and perhaps a hint of orange. The aftertaste features predominantly pleasant spiciness, reminiscent of wasabi, pepper, and tobacco. Overall, this is an average dram, easy to drink and suitable for beginners. Rated 78 out of 100.

Nose: Orange, chocolate, vanilla, faint nutty, slight sulfur. Palate: Sweetness of grape-like fruits, milk chocolate, nutty, spicy. Finish: Mild spice with a chocolate aftertaste. This whiskey establishes the association between Miltonduff and milk chocolate!

Floral and spicy. A good introduction to premium whisky. Seems stronger than 40% but lacks a bit of depth.

Aroma: sherry, hint of cinnamon? Flavor: fruitiness, pepper notes Finish: smoky character

Smell: reminiscent of cherry, sweet aroma Flavor: hints of spice, fruit notes Finish: lingering smoke

Opens with vanilla and honey, concludes with spice and sweetness