Quanto T Ballantines?

We’re continuing our journey into the popular whisky of the mid-20th century, and along the way we’ve found that some brands have tried to modernize their branding and image, appealing to the latest generation of drinkers. Ballantine’s doesn’t play that game, keeping with its distinctive mid-century look and feel despite the changing times around it. And in spite of that (or perhaps because of it?) they seem to be doing just fine.

Results

Ballatine's Finest has a lot in common with Ballantines 17yo, but sweeter and less peaty for the masses, and there are a lot more grain whiskies inside. Still not in the leagues of most entry-level malts, but would be useful for a college party anyway.

Balance: First of all I do like a good looking bottle, and this is certainly one of the 'finest'. There's something about a screw-cap as well that I also just love, so always enjoy opening a good scotch blend. But that's all superficial I know, it just endears me to the stuff before I've even tasted it. All that aside, I have to say that this is an extremely impressive blend. One can't really find a fault with it, it doesn't try to scream and shout, it just goes about it's business with total grace and authority. It's a truly sublime whisky. 2.5

Similarly, if a bar doesn’t stock a good single malt or its prices are a little too high, it won’t be a disappointing alternative. As for its value, it’s about $44 RRP in the USA but you could probably find it for less. Meanwhile, it’s more like 15€ in Europe.

Closing Thoughts

Nose: a little floral, chocolate-y with coffee, some lemon citrus, and some nutty flavours. There is also moderate smoke and peat, a little in the background. This really doesn't come together for me as a harmonious whole. A nice balance of sweet and dry, though.

In the mouth, creamy, floral, light but with continuing complexity. More vanilla, some oak and slightly spicy (cloves and nutmeg?) as well as sweet. That hint of smoke again. Even creamier on the palate with water, adding slight hints of milk chocolate.

I’ve probably tasted Ballantine’s Finest dozens of times, and I’ve always found it pleasant, but I’ve never really paid close attention to it. This is probably because of its “bottom shelf” price. This has been a mistake on my part that I’m endeavouring to rectify. Every whisky should be evaluated in the same manner, regardless of its price point. Perhaps I’m also going to start mixing my more expensive whiskies with Ginger Ale, just to be thorough. Maybe not.

Popular Ballantines whiskies

This stuff tastes more like vodka than bourbon or scotch to me. All I get is the burn. I didn’t like it at all. One of the few scotches that I considered pouring down the drain. I wound up making bloody Mary Queen of Scots with the rest, where it truly doesn’t matter what scotch you use and for this use, Ballentine’s is actually better than vodka.

The bottle is transparent, but just barely. The glass is tinted a very deep burgundy color, meaning there’s almost no way you can see how much liquid is in the bottle — much less the color of that liquid. Further obscuring is the white waiter’s coat label, sporting some lettering that looks like it’s straight off an engraved invitation. There’s a faux wax seal at the bottom, and at the top, an image of the heraldic arms that were granted to the company in 1938.

Whilst I must says its not as good as the 17Yo I think Finest is a very good dram for the money, especially as a blend. It may be that my experience/palate may not be on a par with yours but I always enjoy this whisky. Each to their own as they say. Cheers.

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Ballantine’s Finest Palate & Mouthfeel

Overall: All of the place? Yes. It is also a blend. Enjoyable in that right? Yes. I like that it has a bit of everything there. Its fun that way. Not sure if Id score this a 96 (2014) by Mr. Murray but I couldn't complain if this was at a bar.

In 1827, George Ballantine didn’t want to follow in his farming father’s footsteps so instead he opened a small grocery store in Edinburgh. It proved relatively successfully, and he gave control of the original store to his son in 1865 when he went to open a larger version in Glasgow. In was in this new store where he started focusing more heavily on the wine and spirits trade. As was common with Scottish whiskey merchants, he started creating his own house blends and roped his second son into helping with the new venture, dubbing it “George Ballantine and Son Ltd.”

Product details

"Very creamy and full bodied on the tongue" is just how I would describe it as well. One of the things that is very important to me. Really liked the taste as well, and very impressed with the smoothness. A very close second for me to my favourite GlenDronach Original 12 years actually. I also finally found a 17 year old. Simply had to try it, as I heard so much about it. Excellent, but not as impressive as the Ballantine's Finest, in the sense that there is such a price difference. $70.00CAD to be exact. Cheers, Carl

Once moving into the heart, we’re starting to see some salt and nut, notably salted hazelnut with golden raisin, which gives it a vinous characteristic. There’s also a hint of brine, which is probably brought along by that salted hazelnut note.

The colour is golden with yellow highlights. The nose is surprisingly complex - barley, lime, apple, vanila and the softest hint of smoke. Water brings out more grainy cereal notes, like grist.

Drink Overview

Some of you know how much I rave about Ballantine's 17 Year Old, so today, looking for a decent inexpensive Scotch to help me see the end of TIFF with, I picked up their standard expression. A couple of months ago I had some with my dad, and it was better than I had remembered from my younger days. So now I get the chance to review it. Apparently, Ballantine's is relatively hard to find in the UK (which is rather shocking to me), and is also blended with over 40 different malts and grains.

It’s great drink for the cost. Let’s face it, blended scotch needs to be affordable. This is on par with Grant’s in terms of drinkability vis-a-vis cost. The bottling and aesthetics are superb in my opinion, but those who scoff at anything traditional—as in, class— probably don’t care for it. It’s a dependable good whiskey.

Types of whisky

We’re very fond of cigars here at Bespoke Unit. Therefore, we’ve considered a few options. The Plasencia Reserva Original has a medium body but a rich character. Therefore, it’s very approachable and is easy for beginners to smoke.

Overall, the primary flavour is quite sweet with a peppery mouthfeel. It opens with some distinctive red apple notes, which are caramelized, so let’s say toffee apples. The same walnut note that was picked up on the nose appears here, too.

With the greatest of respect why are you reviewing this product if you don't remember the taste? This is a blended whisky so you pay blended price for it (so not as much as a single malt). without your review this product scores an 81 which i think is a fairer score.

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