Glentauchers 23 YO Ballantine's Series No. 003

Glentauchers 23 YO Ballantine's Series No. 003, 40 %

I believe this is the oldest release in the various Ballantine’s Series so far. These series highlight the component whiskies making up the Ballantine’s blended whisky. This Glentauchers 23 YO Ballantine's Series No. 003 is, and I’ll get back to that, sadly bottled at 40 % ABV.

The Glentauchers 23 YO Ballantine's Series No. 003 goes on sale in Norway this coming Monday at NOK 1399 (13554401).

Nose: Sugar cubes doused in diesel. Bitter oranges. Citrus zest. It certainly does develop nicely. Lots of fruity notes and mild spiciness with time. So far so bloody good.

Taste: Medium to skinny body. Caramel water. Hints of the dirty sugar cubes surface for the briefest of moments. It feels like I’m treated to a mere shadow of a dram here.

Finish: Medium long finish, if I’m kind. Caramel water still, with a couple of drops of bitter oranges mixed in. That’s about it, unless you really, really, force yourself to dig even deeper searching for scraps.

Comment: The nose is more than promising, it is downright good, but the low ABV sadly makes the palate a major let down.

Score 84/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas