Ballantines 30 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky 700mL @ 40% abv

Colour: deep copper.
On the nose: under the initial waves of sweetness is something a little dirty and earthy. That settles to reveal orchard fruits, floral honey. Traces of malted milk, sultanas, dried oranges and a hint of cloves. It’s very nice, but stops dead pretty quickly.
In the mouth: lovely elegant, slightly viscous texture, with blood oranges, grapefruit, raisins and that earthiness on the nose returning here with something spicier and more flavoursome. Assam tea, heather honey. Certainly not afraid to assert itself. The acidity returns on the finish, mixing with some vegetative quality, cinnamon and cloves, and that just knocks it off-balance slightly.