Old Ballantruan The 'Peated Malt' Single Malt Scotch

[Quaich1]

Here's another new one at the LCBO described by them as follows:

Old Ballantruan is Angus Dundee Distillers heavily-peated expression of their Tomintoul single malt. The Ballantruan Spring provides process water for the remote distillery, which is located in the parish of Glenlivet and first came on stream in 1965. This is an unaged whisky which has not been subjected to chill-filtration and is offered at 50.0%ABV 'in order to retain its layered and integrated peaty flavours,' according to Angus Dundee. Old Ballantruan is characterised by gentle peat smoke on the nose, followed by emerging floral notes. Comparatively uncomplicated on the palate, the initial sensation of peat is soon accompanied by malt and nuts, but the peatreek always predominates. The finish is very long, and turns into something close to cigarette ash towards the end. The nearest you'll get to having a cigarette in a Scottish bar these days! Lacking the big, beefy body and maritime elements of the Kildalton Islays, Old Ballantruan is an excellent example of how seemingly unlikely mainland malts can be given the smoke treatment and thrive, offering an interesting alternative for 'peat freaks.' Score - 3.5 Stars (out of 5). (Gavin D. Smith & Tom Cannavan)

Anyone try this one? It's much cheaper in the UK than here in Ontario where it is about $40.00 Canadian more than in UK, i.e., $100. CDN..
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"Always carry a large flagon of whisky in case of snakebite and furthermore always carry a small snake."
W.C. Fields (1880-1946)

[Mark]

I have had the Old Ballantruan 10 year old, a nice bit of peat which balances well with Tomintouls character. Worth a try if you fancy a bit of peat in your Tomintoul.

[Whisky Dog]

I have sampled Old Ballantruan, it was ok, I would agree with the 3.5/5 score you quoted. I wasn't inspired to buy a bottle after tasting.