Features

Origin: Scotland (Speyside, near Tomintoul)
Type: Peated Single Malt
Distillery: Tomintoul (under the Old Ballantruan brand)
Degree: 50%
Capacity: 70 cl
Aging: American Bourbon barrels
Peat: 55 PPM (local peat from Tomintoul)
Finish: Uncolored, non-chill filtered

Tasting notes

Nose: Heather smoke balanced by delicate floral notes.
Palate: Sweet peaty flavors accompanied by nuances of citrus (lemon zest) and malty hazelnut .
Finish: Lingering smoke, pronounced peat, with a touch of malted barley sweetness .

Pairings and tasting moments

Enjoy as a digestif to fully appreciate its subtle peat, served in a tulip glass to concentrate the aromas. Pairs perfectly with a dark chocolate dessert to soften the smoke, or a smoked seafood dish (salmon, mackerel) to highlight the saline dimension. As an aperitif, pair it with a platter of mature cheeses (mature Comté, aged Gouda) and some toasted nuts for a warming contrast.

Product History

Old Ballantruan is the name given to the peated single malt from the Tomintoul distillery, nestled in the heart of Speyside. Launched to celebrate the art of peating in a region known for its lighter whiskies, this expression is peated to 55 ppm with carefully selected local peat from around the village of Tomintoul. Aged exclusively in American Bourbon casks for several years, this whisky emphasizes the smoky character while retaining the malty sweetness characteristic of Speyside. Bottled at 50% without the addition of coloring or chill filtration, Old Ballantruan offers an authentic experience for peated lovers looking for a more opulent expression than most malts from the region. This release was designed to demonstrate that the Tomintoul distillery, despite its traditionally mild profile, could produce a rich, balanced, and decidedly peaty whisky.

Testimonials from our customers

• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  “Old Ballantruan blew me away! The peat is present but never aggressive, and the citrus brings a lovely freshness.”
  — Antoine P., Paris
• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  “An accessible, smooth, and persistent peat. Perfect for discovering peat without being overwhelmed.”
  — Claire M., Lyon

The brand

Old Ballantruan is Tomintoul Distillery's signature peated range, aimed at smoky lovers seeking a fuller-bodied Speyside expression. While Tomintoul is best known for its smooth, fruity whiskies, Old Ballantruan demonstrates the distillery's ability to integrate local peat into a balanced style. Each batch is crafted from barley malted on-site and peated to 55 ppm, then aged in American Bourbon casks to preserve the malty crust and nutty notes. Bottled at 50%, the Old Ballantruan range represents Tomintoul's ambition to offer complete single malts, ranging from light to peatiness.

About the distillery

Tomintoul Distillery is located in the First Moray Firth of the Speyside Valley, at an altitude of approximately 308 meters, earning it the title of "Scotland's highest distillery." Founded in 1964 to meet the growing demand for single malt whiskies, Tomintoul initially produced smooth, fruity Speyside malts for blending. Over the decades, while maintaining its light style, the distillery expanded its range by introducing bolder expressions such as Old Ballantruan , an exploration of the local peat. Pure spring water from the nearby Ballantruan Burn still supplies the cellars, while barley is malted on site before being supplied to the distillery.

The production is distinguished by a double copper still, allowing for slow distillation that preserves the floral and fruity aromas. Tomintoul has always placed great emphasis on cask quality: the majority of its whiskies are aged in American Bourbon casks , bringing sweetness and vanilla, while some batches are finished in sherry casks or other selected woods. The introduction of the Old Ballantruan range illustrates the distillery's desire to push the boundaries of its profile, incorporating local peat to create a peaty but balanced whisky, faithful to the Speyside spirit.

Today, Tomintoul produces approximately 1.5 million liters of pure spirit per year, maintaining a traditional approach. Visitors can discover the complete production process—from malting to bottling—on guided tours, including educational tastings. True to its environment, the distillery supports local farmers and adopts sustainable practices to protect water resources and minimize its carbon footprint. As such, Tomintoul remains a Speyside gem, combining tradition, innovation, and respect for the land.