Ballantines 17 Year Old

N:Hard vanillas from the grains, with a layer of soft lemon bubbling underneath. T: Sweet honey entrance with spices biulind towards the middle. Oak makes itself known at the end for a medium-dry finish. Excellent ballance and some extra zingyness present from the extra 3% above standard ABV but a little short on complexity. Overall very enjoyable! Mr. K

As a top notch premium blend, this is the finest example of whisky crafting. Hints of citrus, vanilla,chocolate and peat. Sweet and layered with flavours that unfold gently. A personal favourite for those special occasions.

There's a lot of controvery regarding this whisky's winning of the 2011 Whisky of the year, and I was concerned that it wouldn't live up to the hype. But let me tell you this is a massive whisky. I've recently been trying Ardbeg's range and was convinced that Uigeadail was unbeatable in terms of complexity, balance and beauty. But this is better. This is a new bench-mark for me, and I hope this year's bottling of Ardbeg 10 can compare.

An interesting dram

Can't understand all the hype surrounding this one. Interesting nose, which promises a lot, but the whisky fails to deliver. Suffers from the usual problem with blends: lack of integration. On the palate it builds to an initial rush of sweet smoke, but that fades and it becomes acidic and dry. It can't make up its mind. Definitely not worth the money. Bought a bottle of Naked Grouse the other day for £22 which is an object lesson in how to blend a proper whisky.

A stunning complex whisky. Beautiful prickly mouthfeel, great nose, lovely stuff, Murray is bang on about this one, worth every cent.

Sure this was £38 a fee weeks back?

Simply put, best whisky I ever had. It's hard to express with words, I can't stress enough how good this beverage is on my palate. I am usually so critical with whiskies, but I must admit this drink truly is a masterpiece. Nothing more to say.

Was given it as a gift last night. Best blend I have ever tasted. Makes me rethink my appreciation of blends. Tremendous!

a nice blend but nothing really special. not worth the money

Funny that I wanted to buy it quite often but left the shop with the JW Green Label hahahaha.

Outstanding whisky. Finish has a little more smoke (and nicer for it) than listed above but apart from that, the description is spot on for me. Nearly the full 5 stars apart from the price - pretty sure you'll get equal or better for a bit less. If you see it on offer anywhere though, fill your boots!