Whisky Focus - Ballantine’s 40 Year Old Masterclass Collection Chapter Two

Ballantine’s 40 Year Old Masterclass Collection Chapter Two


9th December 2024
Ballantine’s introduces Chapter Two of its Masterclass Collection: A New 40 Year Old Blend which honours the legacy of its legendary master blenders.

Ballantine’s 40 Year Old Masterclass Collection: Chapter Two, The WaitingBallantine’s proudly continues its tradition of craftsmanship with the release of Chapter Two, The Waiting, from its esteemed Ballantine’s 40 Year Old Masterclass Collection.

The Waiting is the latest addition to this exclusive series of five unique 40-year-old blends, each celebrating the expertise and heritage passed down through five generations of Ballantine’s Master Blenders. This new expression pays homage to the art of patience—a cornerstone in blending mature Scotch whiskies—and the remarkable flavours that emerge after decades of careful aging.

Inspired by the wisdom imparted to him as a young apprentice by his predecessor, Master Blender Jack Goudy, Sandy Hyslop, Ballantine’s current Master Blender, meticulously selected whiskies from casks laid down over 40 years ago by Goudy himself. Staying true to Ballantine’s signature style, the use of American Oak casks imparts a rich depth and intensity of flavour. The result is a luxurious and intricate whisky, characterized by smooth sweetness, delicate smokiness, and remarkable complexity.

Bottled at cask strength with an ABV of 45.4%, The Waiting captures the essence of two generations’ dedication, preserving their mastery in every drop.

Commenting on the release of Chapter Two in the Ballantine’s Masterclass Collection, Sandy Hyslop, said: "Time brings distinction to a whisky, but it also brings huge responsibility. You need a combination of patience, passion and dedication to meticulously monitor and nose hundreds of samples a day to pinpoint the exact moment that a flavour profile has reached its maximum potential. It has to be exactly right because there’s no turning back the clock! Jack Goudy taught me how to play the long game, and I’m repeating these lessons to my own team to preserve the stature and legacy of Ballantine’s for many years to come."

The Ballantine’s 40 Year Old Masterclass Collection: Chapter Two, The Waiting, is presented in individually numbered bottles, each adorned by hand to reflect the extraordinary rarity of this exceptional blend. The exquisite bottle is encased in a sophisticated presentation box featuring a delicate 3D paper art design, crafted exclusively for the Masterclass Collection by renowned Scottish artist Kyla McCallum. Each chapter of the collection showcases a unique artwork, adding a personalized touch to the series.

This highly limited release consists of just 108 bottles, available from December 2024 through select specialist retailers
such as The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt at a recommended price of $12,000 USD.

Following The Waiting, Chapters Three and Four will debut in 2025 and 2026, with the fifth and final chapter scheduled for release in 2027, celebrating the 200th anniversary of this iconic Scotch whisky.
 

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