Old Ballantruan 15 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Priya Sharma — Proper peated Speyside

8/10

This is what happens when a Speyside distillery stops playing nice. Big campfire smoke on the nose but underneath there's honey and stewed orchard fruit that reminds you where it comes from. At 50% it carries real weight without being a bully — I drink it neat and it opens up beautifully after five minutes in the glass.

Clara Johansson — Good but not cheap

7/10

Picked this up for close to ninety quid and I'm a bit torn. The peat is well-integrated after 15 years and there's a lovely biscuity sweetness underneath, but at this price point I keep comparing it to Springbank 15 which edges it out for me. Still a solid dram that I'd happily order at a bar, just wouldn't rush to rebuy the bottle.