Origin: Speyside (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 50%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon
Chillfiltered: No
Added coloring: No
Owner: Angus Dundee plc
Average price: € 60.00
Official website: www.oldballantruan.com
Following in the footsteps of distilleries such as Bruichladdich and Edradour, Tomintoul also has its own peated whisky under a label that is completely different from the original, Old Ballantruan.
Created in 2005, it takes its name from the water source near the village of Tomintoul and originates from experiments with Speyside peat used in malting a few years earlier to obtain what was then a rarity for the area: a heavily peated whisky.
In 2012, the 10yo was released, followed by the 15yo in 2018, which was short-lived, leaving only two bottlings with questionable graphics in their portfolio and a rather laconic website.
Curiously, there is no official link to the distillery in their narrative.
Tasting Notes
This is not a whisky for vegans, at least on the nose, with waves of sizzling bacon sprinkled with abundant aromatic herbs (rosemary, thyme) and cumin. The peat leans towards the chemical, between hydrocarbons and medicinal hints, a thick and heavy blanket over citrus tones (candied fruit), confectionery (Catalan cream, burnt marshmallows), toasted hazelnuts and sweet liquorice. At the top of the glass, the chemical aspect is even more evident, revealing hints of fermentation. The addition of water brings out the sweeter notes, softening it a little. Basic.
On the palate, it is fairly oily and confirms the olfactory impressions. It is all very down-to-earth, a to-do list of peated whiskies diligently ticked off, bringing together the expected notes without thinking too much about it. Less meat and more chemistry, bright hydrocarbons leaning towards burnt tyres, always punctuated by citrus and pastries along with aromatic herbs and spices (ginger, above all). More evident vegetal notes, as well as those of yeast, with some mentholated aspects and slight salty hints. Water loosens the flavours, leaving only spices and smoke.
The finish is fairly short and dry, with used ashtray, vegetal notes, burnt bread and caramel.
A whisky designed at the drawing board, lacking in emotion and depth, which pushes heavily on peat while neglecting everything else, a bit like certain Smokehead. It will certainly find admirers among those who love the genre, but there are more complete and complex products in the same price range.
Vote: 75/100