Whisky Focus - Ballantine’s 21 Year Old Signature Oak Edition - European Oak Review

Ballantine's launch first of two travel retail exclusive Ballantine’s 21 Year Old Signature Oak Editions.

Being a long time fan of the outstanding Ballantine's 21 year old I was pleased when Ballantine’s contacted me to announce the release of Ballantine’s 21 Year Old Signature Oak Edition - European Oak, which is the first of two new limited editions exclusive to Global Travel Retail. The release of an additional Signature Edition created with American oak will follow to complete the special pair of bottlings.

The Signature Oak Edition – European Oak has been skilfully crafted by Ballantine’s Master Blender Sandy Hyslop and they tell me it showcases the characteristics and flavours that European oak contributes to the original 21 Year Old blend.

To ensure this newest expression stays true to the award-winning taste profile of Ballantine’s 21 Year Old, Sandy selected whiskies which have been matured in quality sherry casks of European oak. Larger than American oak casks, these vessels help to deliver a unique flavour due to their effect on the ageing process.

Ballantine’s Master Blender Sandy Hyslop commented: "I nose each and every cask to ensure a balance between the liquid and the wood, something George Ballantine - a pioneer in the art of maturing whisky in quality casks - would have approved of. With the Ballantine’s 21 Year Old Signature Oak Editions, I wanted to pay tribute to our founder and release expressions that demonstrate to consumers how cask maturation and oak influence transform our whisky. Providing a rich taste profile, the European oak has enhanced the notes of raisin, fruitcake, sherry and spice within the 21 Year Old blend so I am certain that it will become a must-have addition to the cabinet of selective whisky collectors."

Certainly a travel retail exclusive for whisky enthusiasts to look out for on their travels if it matches up to the quality of the standard Ballantine's 21 year old. The Ballantine’s 21 Year Old Signature Oak Edition – European Oak is bottled at 40% ABV and has an RRP of £145/$225 USD. The release of the Signature Oak Editions follows on the success of the Ballantine’s 17 Year Old Signature Distillery Editions, launched in 2012, which paid tribute to four key signature malts in the 17 Year Old blend and the distilleries Scapa, Glenburgie, Miltonduff and Glentauchers that produce them.

You can find the full current Ballantine's whisky range available from specialist Whisky retailers such as The Whisky Exchange
 

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