Ballantine’s Hard Fired Whisky

Scottish whisky brand Ballantine’s has released its newest expression named; Hard Fired. The world renowned distillery has employed a rarely-used process which starts with the individual selection of fresh American oak barrels that are charred twice by highly skilled coopers who judging the char length and intensity just by sight. It is this unique second charring that is known as ‘hard firing’.

Ballantine’s Hard Fired – perfect for refreshing long cocktails

The barrels are ‘fresh’ and ignite that much quicker, which means Ballantine’s expert cooperage need to use all their skill in the charring process, ensuring there is an equal char throughout. Ballantine’s Master Blender, Sandy Hyslop then noses each barrel and selects those best to be filled with a unique Ballantine’s blend for resting.

This painstaking attention to detail allows the unlocking of flavours from the oak, such as vanilla and spice, as well as a smooth smokiness. As you would find in peaty whiskies, where there is a natural heavy smokiness to them, with Ballantine’s Hard Fired, however, there is the added smoke injected by the hard firing process accompanying the soft, sweet and elegant taste profile you’d expect from Ballantine’s.

Perfect as a gift or a bottle to add to your own collection, Ballantine’s Hard Fired is also a great starting point for ‘smokey’ whiskies. With its balance of sweet and smoke, this whisky can be a great accompaniment to dark chocolate, butterscotch, as well as smoked cheese and chutney.

Currently exclusively available at Heinemann duty free stores across Europe, Ballantine’s Hard Fired will roll out worldwide in the coming months.

Ape approved serving suggestions

• Old Fashioned- a modern take on a traditional cocktail, made simply with ice, maple syrup and bitters. Stir the maple syrup and Ballantine’s Hard Fired with ice and bitters, slowly adding more ice and whisky as you go.

• Ballantine’s Hard Fired Apple- a simple serve with apple juice and aromatic bitters in a highball glass with lots of ice.

• Ballantine’s Hard Fired Signature Serve- whisky served on ice.

ballantines.com

Chris Chasseaud

Chris is the Style & Features Editor at Ape to Gentleman, and one of the UK's leading style commentators. Having worked in the fashion and design world for his entire career he's well placed to deliver sartorial advice.