George Ballantine had the vision to produce the most exceptional and exquisite whiskey, “only when the time is right.” In realization of his aspiration, Pernod Ricard Travel Retail has launched the Ballantine’s 40-year-old. The bottle is presented in a wooden cabinet and features an etching of the Ballantine’s crest alongside Sandy Hyslop’s signature, the Master Blender. World-renowned British silversmith Richard Fox has designed the stopper, collar, seal, label, and base cup – all in silver. Each of these is individually hallmarked by the London Assay office, the mark of silver quality for more than 700 years.
Ballantine’s 40yo is a blended Scotch with notes of pears in syrup, fruitcake, cinnamon, and root ginger on the nose. The liquid has a complex and fruity character and “around, smooth and perfectly balanced” body that imparts flavors of toffee and a red apple. The finish is described as “significant and long-lasting.” Priced at $7000 per bottle, only 100 bottles of the Ballantine’s 40-year-old will be produced each year.
[Moodiereport]