Ballantine's 17 Year

Too smoky

Blowhard Jim Murray's Whisky of the Year in 2011. Copper colour (seems artificial), though decent legs. Nose is light, but actually quite nice. Sea salt, vanilla, toffee. Maple syrup, fresh fruit (apples, pear). Light smoke and fresh peat in waves. A grassy, heather honey floralness. Melons and faint pretzel dough (a flavour I get in many blends). Sweet taste, bordering on too sweet. Apple, pear, vanilla, maple syrup, toffee/caramel, and very light peat/sea salt. Soft pepper and spice, especially if you let it sit on the tongue. Short finish of fruit and vanilla and sweet wood. Very much a "tour of Scotland"-type blend that hits most of the major notes across the different regions/styles of the country (Speyside fruits, Islay smoke, island brine, sherried sweetness, etc.,); a nice blend, but it really does lean a bit too sweet for my tastes. Not *demonstrably* better than a number of blends half the price, but quite enjoyable--I finished the bottle awhile ago (tasting notes are from an old notebook), but I think fondly upon this whisky. Not *too* fondly, however. Ultimately, it's one of that genre of luxury whiskies that's got more prestige than flavour--even if I did quite enjoy the flavours that *are* here.