Ballantines Finest Blended Scotch Whisky, 70 cl

Product Information

Suntory’s Yamazaki 12 Year Old offers a well-balanced fruity sweetness, making it accessible to novice drinkers, combined with rich complexity to fulfill the most experienced whisky connoisseurs.

Whisky Review: Ballantine’s Finest Blended Scotch Whisky

Buchanan’s has been making a name for itself in the whisky world for the past 130 years and is widely recognized as another favorite across the planet. It’s affordable with round and complex offerings that’ll leave a strong first impression on your tastebuds. A popular choice for whisky novices and experts alike, Johnnie Walker takes the crown again and again for its unrivaled spirits. It’s the world’s most widely distributed brand of Scotch, which means it’ll be a success no matter what occasion you bring it out for. Gold Award at the International Spirits Challenge (2018), Gold Award at the World Whiskies Awards (2017)Whisky without an ‘e’ refers to Scottish, Canadian, or Japanese grain spirits. Whiskey with an ‘e’ refers to grain spirits distilled in Ireland and the United States. Generally speaking, it’s only whisk(e)y aficionados who might pull you up on the spelling. The difference ends there, at the country of origin of the spirit. Terminology: The terms to know when talking about whisky It’s hard to make an empirical observation about this. “Of course,” the old timers will tell you. “When I was a boy…” However, as I’m fond of noting in this space, the prism of reminiscence distorts our perspective and makes us unreliable narrators. Our personal favorites from days gone by will always have a special emotional resonance that will taint any attempt to evaluate them fairly and objectively. Crafted by expert distillers from start to finish, this Scotch sets itself apart from the rest. Balvenie focuses on using meticulous care and attention from a group of top distillers to produce some of the finest whisky on the market. The distillery has been producing top-quality whisky since 1962 and has built up a name for itself over time. Next, the malt is mixed with water to create a mash, before the mixture is fermented with yeast. The fourth step of the process is the distillation, which is traditionally done twice for Scotch whisky and thrice for Irish whiskey. I poured a couple fingers into one of the small leaded crystal tasting cups and the fragrance fully bloomed into a wonderfully evocative symphony of classic whiskey purfumes. Whoa, I again nodded to the imposing bottle. So then I sipped it and my mouth flooded with some of the most satisfyingly balanced flavors I’d yet experienced in my admittedly meager whiskey history. But I had sampled fine 12 and 18 year old Single Malts and Blends and so I had at least a working knowledge of what to expect of a fine or even finer dram. This one certainly deserved consideration among that higher pedigree class, it was so delightfully smooth and subtle yet seductively complex.

Whisky In The World: The Whisky Brands To Drink (2023) 15 Best Whisky In The World: The Whisky Brands To Drink (2023)

Gesticulating with all my verve, I attempted to explain to him what he had on his hands. This wasn’t just old booze; it was history! I bumbled my way through a brief dissertation on the consolidation of the Scotch whisky industry, and the associated changes to production methods and so forth. With consummate good manners he excused himself, explaining that the paella needed stirring. If ever a whisky could taste reminiscent, it would come in the form of a bottle of Oban. Originating as a small distillery in the Scottish Highlands, the brand offers classic ‘coastal-yet-sweet’ combinations that have put it firmly on the whisky lover’s map. On the nose, these are kissing cousins. In the mouth, however, there are miles between these two. The 1970’s incarnation has body, force, presence, character, personality. It doesn’t entirely come off, but what it has to show for itself is excellent. The 2019 version – by way of contrast – is a wet blanket, a limp noodle, a wallflower, milquetoast, all the associated adjectives. In the mouth: Pale and weak in comparison. There’s a watered-down hint of the nuttiness of the 1970’s dram, but otherwise this disappears without a trace. Almost no entrance, no midpalate, no finish. ConclusionsBarley is soaked for two to three days and then regularly turned before it’s dried. Peat is the powering source for many kilns, which means it’s at this point of the process when the level of peatiness can be determined. What’s left after this process is malt. Gold in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible (2014), and Gold at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (2020) Knappogue Castle 16 Year Old is an intriguing Irish whiskey with an ever-growing number of notes that seem to appear and disappear each time you sip it. This no-peat, triple-distilled malt whiskey comes aged in both bourbon and sherry barrels, ensuring a well-rounded, slightly sweet aroma and a creamy finish. Gold Award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2018) and Gold Award at the International Spirit Challenge (2017)

Ballantine’s Finest Scotch Whisky | Malt - Whisky Reviews Ballantine’s Finest Scotch Whisky | Malt - Whisky Reviews

With a medium price point, Highland Park’s 12 Year Old is nothing if not inviting. Expect a combination of licorice and sweeter notes with a burnt, peaty, and almost salty aftertaste. After my father passed in 2009 I eventually found myself exploring his modest but eclectic collection of spirits and cordials. Most prominent was a nearly half full 1.5 liter bottle of Ballentine’s that I deducted hailed from the early to mid 70s. I assumed it had to have gone to pot, for no specific informed reason. But when I twisted open the cap I was greeted by a rich fragrance which grew in depth and power as it permeated my inner cavities. Whoa, I said to the bottle.

Gold at the International Wine & Spirit Competition, Gold at the International Spirits Challenge, and a Master’s Award at The Scotch Whisky Masters competition Before we take a deep dive into the grain spirits that’ll whisk you away, find out more about the terminology you should know about whisky and our selection process for drawing up the best whisky brands in the world.