Ballantine’s enters single malt Scotch category

Scotch whisky maker Ballantine’s has launched a trio of 15-year-old Single Malts, marking its first foray into the single malt category, which saw exports surpass £1 billion for the first time last year, rising 12% in value during 2016.

Described as “the stand-out performer” of the Scotch category by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) earlier this year, more than 113m bottles of single malt were exported in 2016, with volumes increasing by 10% and the value of these shipments rising 11.8% to reach a new record of £1.02bn.

Although single malt represents just 9.3% of all Scotch whisky exports, the category accounts for 26% of the total by value.

Latching onto this growing trend, Ballantine’s debut Single Malt Series comprises The Glenburgie, Miltonduff and Glentauchers, which together are used to create the Ballantine’s blend.

“The Single Malts category is dynamic and continues to grow rapidly as more consumers become lovers of this iconic Scottish spirit,” said Peter Moore, Ballantine’s global brand director.

“As a globally known brand, we are sure that consumers will have confidence in the quality and credibility of these new Single Malts as they are widely recognised as the signature malts that form the heart of Ballantine’s.

“Ballantine’s has never been one to pick the obvious route – we do things differently and create our own path to success. All of this is core to the Ballantine’s brand and our launch of three new Single Malts is yet another example of celebrating and staying true to our roots.”

Glenburgie has a “full and velvety texture and a long, round finish”, with notes of “concentrated fruitiness and honeyed sweetness” on the palate balanced by aromas of “soft red apples and pears”.

Miltonduff adds “warmth and power” to the classic Ballantine’s blend, with floral notes and a “hint of cinnamon spice” and a “gentle liquorice flavours” leading to a “long, warm finish”.

Finally Glentauchers has hints of “delicate floral heather” on the nose and “soft berries and barley sugar sweets on the palate”, leading to a “long, luscious finish”.

The Ballantine’s Single Malts Series, bottled at 40% ABV, will first be launched in Taiwan – the 4th largest whisky market in the world by value – and is available to purchase in domestic markets at an RRP of US$56 and in Travel Retail Asia for 70cl bottle ($80 USD Litre equivalent).