Ballantine's Finest

Bought this duty free (£18 a litre) . I normally go for peaty single malts from Islay, but for a third of the price, the toffee and wood smoke are a perfect lower priced combination for me.

3rd November 2018

since everybody sees the world differently, it is not surprising that opinions would also be different.
For me, i have drink almost all Johnnie Walker brand. But what i am fininding in this years is this gentlemen.

24th October 2018

I like dry, peaty, smoky whisky, with a whiff of salt air to it. I got Ballantines Finest blended on a whim and my first neat sip tasted almost like a liqueur - cherry, toffee, almond and more. It's a bit short on the finish, but more complex than I expected from a bottom-shelfer. This will be an occasional one for me and I'm glad to have it.

18th October 2018

Hi, bought two bottles in duty free Faro, on unpacking in Scotland could smell the whisky, the screw caps of these bottles can be undone ever so slightly without breaking the seal, lying on their backs travelling home one of them leaked ever so slightly, no great volume, but if spirit can get out then air can get in, disappointed, drank this stuff for many years, never had this problem before, bad batch?

11th October 2018

Great taste and experience...

26th September 2018

Is there anybody out there who also found 'chocolate' in it when it is neat and sipped in a discreet manner.

11th September 2018

Tastes like a below average blend to me. Very bland indeed......

96 points? Behave yourself......

31st August 2018

Close to a year ago I sent an email to Ballantine corporate. When you unscrew the cap the little white thing inside the top of the bottle with those four little things on it would always come off and if you weren't watching you would pour for shots instead of one. Well they listened and I just opened a new bottle and that little white thing at the top is inside the bottle with nothing on the outside. It's perfect and I take out my pocket knife and cut those for Little Wings off. Just wanted to say thank you for listening. It's a rarity these days. Everyone else loves it too.

29th August 2018

Super

25th August 2018

This was not for me and by any means this is not a 96 point whiskey on any other planet either. I'd recommend stop smoking dope when he's tasting.

25th June 2018

Out of all the blends I have tried this is the the stand out one for me. Smooth, sweet and moreish. Outstanding value when reduced to £15 a bottle on occasion.

6th June 2018

I've always looked down on blended whisky but this has changed my mind. Easy drinking, smooth, flavoursome with Sherry cask / Madeira cask overtones. On offer in Tesco at £15.00 this has become my recent budget favourite tipple.

2nd May 2018

This is literally described as in the tasting note. very sweet. If you are moody or grumpy try it!

7th February 2018

I'm a single malt guy mostly, but I don't like to pour my single malts into a hip flask while in the outdoors, etc. Instead of comparing blends to single malts I prefer to think of them as different category of spirit. Older blends are in their own category while younger ones also have their place (mixing, hot toddies, etc.) Having said that I found Ballantine's surprisingly malt-forward and tasty, albeit generic. I'll cheerfully sip this without ice when sitting in a hunting blind, out on ice fishing trip, camping, etc. Or even if I am a guest and that's what the host is pouring. I'm no snob, I'll sip Red Label, but this was better. However, I found Grand Macnish, Highland Mist and McIvor even better IMHO :)

30th January 2018

A tasty Scotch. Hints of iodine and a lingering aftertaste of peat and spice.

10th December 2017

It is the best whiskey for those who want to drink neat / with one drop of water / on rocks. If you wish to drink whiskey with lots of soda / cola to make it drinkable then why you need scotch. There are cheaper whiskey available all over the world .

30th November 2017

Too thin, light, sweet and boring for my taste. Almost tastes like it has been watered down (which it technically have hence the 40% ABV). Even for a budget whisky I would go for something else.

27th August 2017

Just for mixing with soda or coke😖

16th August 2017

Not a rip-off by any means, but it's a little thin and light. This is evident even in the 17 year old, which is very expensive where I am at least. The fact is, you can do a lot better for around twenty quid. Only a terrible snob would turn their nose up at this dram but if you stop here in your search, you are letting yourself down.

11th August 2017

Not bad for a blend. I drink all varieties of Whisky from all parts of the world. Some days I seek out smoke nd pet, others , a fresh, crisp fruity flavor.
Ballantines is suitable for the days when I just want n easy drinking safe blend.

It's well worth the money, nd one I would endeavor to maintain in my Bar stock.

11th June 2017

really great whisky for beg. it's smooth and sweet and i think it's a lot bit underrated and because its fruity nature you can use it in Irish coffee works great

5th June 2017

Sweet taste of the whiskey is really disliked by me. Not interested for a second try

12th May 2017

However, I still prefer Grant's Family Reserve over this, it has less sweetness and gives you more punch and bit more spicy than Ballantines, it's a very nice dram indeed!

If I could make a personal taste rank, it would be like this:
#1 - Grant's Family Reserve
#2 - Ballantine's Finest
#3 - The Famous Grouse
#20 - Red Label

4th May 2017

One of the best blended. Treat it as a single malt....just a few drops of water and wait a little bit. Start to sip ; )
Nothing could be better for the price.

13th February 2017

Worst Scotch I know. Smells and tastes more like vodka than whisky. Not worth even half the price. If you're going for a mass market Scotch in that price range, get Red Label instead.

13th January 2017

need whisky for enjoyment

14th November 2016

This is one of the best if you are looking for a company if you're single or if you want to share with others. Never lets you down whether straight or on the rocks. Cheers!

9th November 2016

Surprisingly clear with a noticeable lack of aroma. Mellow on the palate like an inoffensive Chablis--I would think mixing would totally overwhelm the body. Very pleasant to drink on ice or straight--definitely a large cut above bargain brands like Claymore, Whyte and MacKay and John Barr but not quite the equivalent of Johnny Walker Red.

27th October 2016

For the price, this is the best Blended Scotch whisky out there. Wonderfully textured, nice little touch of peat, some toffee notes, some fruit. Very good stuff.

24th October 2016

Nice one

3rd October 2016

I used to like a wee dram not being too fussed about the label. And then I discovered Ballantine. I thought I had been given a free pass to heaven. I now need educating into the different blends!

30th September 2016

Very good blend. Don't over look and should a staple in all bars.

24th September 2016

What i think about ballantine's is really very good i have already test it before but it's amazing whisky.pkease for all people try to test it

21st September 2016

Choice of all friends because value for money.

19th July 2016

Good value for money. Excellent taste especially on the rocks or with little water! My favorite.

7th June 2016

Let me say you have to love the style of a speyside, highland style scotch...if you do... You'll love it. For the price nothing better. Sweet, vanilla, isn't of peat, honey, smooth! Smooth! Smooth!

5th June 2016

Ballantine's finest is one scotch whisky which is really expressive and has a smooth and smokey taste,finish is sweet and tempting.

18th May 2016

I DONT KNOW WHY THIS ISNT NO. 1 IT IS SUCH A LEASURE TO DRINK. IM GOING TO SMUGGLE TWO BOTTLES ON BOARD A CRUISE

26th March 2016

Nose Light, hint of caramel not strong
on the tongue caramel, Slight buttery, spicy aromatic and slight burn smooth finish. Grain not over powering. Very slight peat.
Good blend back in the day was very popular blended whisky, but has fallen out of favour. Cant think why, its relatively low cost and doesnt embarrass itself neat and drunk how it should be. Bit too smooth for cocktails. A great everyday nippie... you wont be disappointed

18th March 2016

Not unpleasant, but it does attack you with peat and leave a strong aromatic aftertaste.

4th March 2016

Its a great whisky its been drink by my dad and uncles as long I could remember but that new plastic insert is probably one of the worst bottle in market. I would give it 10 star for it but that bottling is one of the worst. Some older guys can't even open it.

14th February 2016

Great blend very smooth, tried lots of whiskey and always came back to it, no need to buy Entry Level Single Malts, this whiskey will do just fine.
To get a good Single Malt will cost you a lot.

21st December 2015

Modern blend, designed to fullfil expectations...peat monster+sherry bomb, it's all there...you think. Is it?
It is a bit too artificial for me, but still good value for money.
6 out of 10
96 points? What Murray was thinking of?

17th December 2015

I have been drinking Ballantines for over 30 years, and I love it.
However, the changes you recently made to the bottle have almost made me change my choice;
The bottle no longer has a handle and is now a cube with two indentions for gripping.
Let me tell you that no one with arthritis can pick that bottle up and hold it. In addition the plastic pouring inset sticks in the cap when removed and if one does not dig it out of the tin cap, spillage is unavoidable.
I know that this may seem trivial to you, but for an 85 year old, it's annoying.
The tin cap when removed has a raged edge, causing a many a bloody finger.
Ballantines is mostly enjoyed by older people; so maybe you could at least bring back the
handle for us older fans ?
William Polon
214 nassau blvd.
Garden city, NY
11530

17th December 2015

good but not available in all stores in india

10th December 2015

I am loving it

22nd November 2015

Love it! I normally drink Glenlevit 12, or 18. And I am not a blended whiskey fan. I prefer single malts. I am also not a fan of Johnny Walker..period. Over priced for the quality. This is incredibly underpriced for the quality. I would easily pay $50 for a bottle of this. Delicious. SMOOOOOTH. Only wish it had a longer finish. But at this price just pour another glass.

14th September 2015

I have tried many kinds of whisky but this one is really one of the worst whisky I've ever tried.
If you really drink whisky don't even try this one.

9th September 2015

I normally drink single malts and just returned from Scotland where I toured many distilleries. For the money, this is the best blended whisky. All of you who think spending the $ for JWB is a good idea are fools. for that money, buy a decent single malt. JWB is rotgut and disgusting.

27th August 2015

I never appreciated Scotch whiskey until I reached my thirties. I tried many scotches but preferred JW black. One day my local Wine & Spirits was out of JW Black, and the manager recommended Ballantines. While I say I will prefer JW Black over it, given the choice, I buy Ballantines every time as it is a very close second.

In fact, if I can't have the two, previously mentioned whiskeys, then I won't drink any and instead will drink beer.

For what it's worth, a simple, working man's honest opinion based solely on taste and the power of his wallet.

24th August 2015

Malo, no puedo rescatar muchos puntos a favor. No recomiendo. Por ese precio hay whiskys mucho (mucho) mejores.

23rd August 2015

Me,and all my friends love this whisky,we have being drinking this brand for at least 40 years,for this price it is very goooooooood.

17th August 2015

Wanted to like this after reading some very positive reviews, but was very disappointed. The old sayin, 'you get what you pay for' is almost always true. It is cheap whisky, but drinkable IF you have no good single malts available (JW Black is a much better blend).
Spend another 10 dollars and buy Highland Park 12 . .. a really good whisky.

13th July 2015

have always seen this on the shelf in Scotland but as it was a blend I didn't bother as I'd rather pay a wee bit more for a single Malt. in Duty free in Poland and the selection was either a top end Bowmore or this and Grants on offer.
as Ballentines was only £16 for 1Litre I thought what the hey.
well impressed was expecting a smother grouse flavour (bench mark for a blend - but you could fool someone that it was a 10+ year old single malt. don't listen to any review that claim that Teachers is a better whisky - as they must work for company! I do prefer a Isle Whisky and if I want a cheap whisky I'll get a bottle of Black Grouse , but not now! just wish asda sold it!

20th March 2015

horrid, cheap whiskey. hideous flavour masked by the added sugar. only good in a hot toddy. for the price there's plenty better

19th March 2015

I Drink the best I must say this is one of it.

18th March 2015

There is that lovely fudgy malt that elevates it above its rivals. But it just has too many flaws - There is too much cask charring that produces an ash finish. Sweet grain whisky is also all too evident. Overall the malt flavours are just too distant for my taste. The 12 year old is much better not to mention the sublime 17. You get what you pay for. I like it with ice and a slice of fresh orange.

4th March 2015

Wow, I've read your reviews, this is a very good scotch, its smooth and yet has very nice body, if your above it, don't drink it, anyone that enjoys Scotch Whiskey, enjoys different tastes!! It's worth every penny!!

26th January 2015

I agree with Jim Murray's verdict. It is super stuff. Much better than most of the cheaper single malts currently on sale.

22nd January 2015

Bought because of price; will buy again because it's good. ...real good value. Makes a great Hot Toddy! Nice with a cigar...served neat.

11th January 2015

A couple of ice cubes slows down the evaporation rate - a little bit ! Discovered this Whisky in Spain about 5 years ago & now I stock up at Duty Free after each trip. Definitely one of the best blended whiskeys on the market.

26th November 2014

Love what is inside the bottle. To bad about the wasted liquid gold dribbling down the outside of the bottle because of the plastic inovation obviously not thought of by a true Scot!

25th November 2014

Excellent nose, fine sweet palate and similar sweet finish. Not a complex blend, yet nicely balanced to be attractive to many whisky drinkers.

19th November 2014

tastes cheap and syrupy only in a pitch

14th November 2014

It's quite good for its price range. Initially felt a little too light but when it is left for 20 minutes, it opens up .. not bad at all

9th November 2014

This has to be the smoothest blended whiskey in price category which in my opinion packs a decent amount of flavour, in agreement with tasting notes above.
After trying it's fair to say I will always keep some of this in my collection as it goes down a treat!

17th October 2014

A pleasant easy drinking whisky, but the new plastic cap is big clumsey and makes it unpleasant to pour.I will not be buying again. There is plenty choice at this level. BNJ for me.

10th October 2014

Fudgy goodness

27th August 2014

Ballantines Finest can be had straight as well as in your hot drinks also dont miss to mix with juices !

26th August 2014

a great taste and aftermath whether with a mixer on just on the rocks strong and a mixture of sweet and boldness well worth its price something not to miss for the taster!

26th August 2014

An excellent whisky, well worth drinking straight. I find this much more enjoyable than other highly acclaimed blends like Monkey Shoulder. Very good in cocktails also. Briliant all-rounder.

26th July 2014

Smooth

24th July 2014

Disappointed initially. Bland and light. Then it or my taste-buds opened up revealing complexity, subtlety, balance. When I(irresponsibly) went on to drink to that point where almost any whisky tastes good- it became delicious- The poor man's Dalwhinnie 15. Perfect for approaching that point where you'd be wasting your best whisky if you continued. Excellent value, a really enjoyable blend.

5th July 2014

I drink mainly Speyside single malts and have not been very impressed at all with most blended whiskys. I find Jameson fair and Johnnie Walker Black Label poor. But Ballantines Finest is one of the finest sipping whiskys I've ever come across. I'd put it up there with single malts such as Bushmills 16 yo and even the Macallan 10. Great with just a little water.

29th June 2014

I've been purchasing your 1.75ltr for years. I love Ballantine's but don't like the cap on that bottle. Now that you took the handle off, I find that small or arthritic hands can't hold on to the bottle with one hand. Some people only have one!!! Thanks for listening.

27th June 2014

I've been drinking scotch since i started drinking,i mostly drank Black Label but now i drink this more often as the taste is smoother than many expensive scotch whisky's

26th June 2014

со льдом и в коктейли потянет

2nd May 2014

I may not know much, but I know what I like, and I like this blend. I much prefer it over the famous grouse. Whiskey bible gave it a 96 in 2011-2012 making it blend of the year, beating out walker black. Give it a try for the price you can't go wrong.

19th April 2014

Beyond criticism I should have thought. Then again, perhaps the practice of imbibing horse urine is not the best preparation for tasting whisky? Still, each to his own ......

30th March 2014

horse piss taste better than this shit

19th March 2014

Nose is a little over-alcoholic but fortunately doesn't taste that much. Sweet, mild, pleasantly aromatic on the palate if not complex. Clean aftertaste. Good for back-from-work refreshment.

24th February 2014

Been drinking this for donkeys years, tried 100's of the others while travelling world and UK. Glenfiddich, Grouse etc, but always come back to mu favorite Ballantines, It does it for me and always will. Currently have 4 litres which I brought back from Spain.

25th January 2014

I've only recently stopped being an unintending single malt snob so know even less about blends than I do about singles, however I think this is very ordinary. Unremarkable nose (except, perhaps, the caramel colouring?), peppery on the palate (OK, it's Scotch but this isn't the challenge of a childish nip pinched from dad's old fashioned blend when you he wasn't looking, this just feels a little rough) and in the finish there's the clunking colouring again (remember those bitter, caramel topped, creme-caramel desserts your mum used to make in a teacup?). I've yet to have an undrinkable dram but in my opinion this merits only a "Meh".

20th January 2014

Sweet, smooth and classy. No off notes. If I wanted to be unkind I could say it is a little dull, but I do rather like this so I wont say that :-)

5th January 2014

Excellent taste

29th December 2013

Sweet and sort of bland. Not an entirely bad tipple and certainly better than the notorious Johnnie Walker Red Label, but others in that price range are much better (Teachers, Black Bottle come to mind). If you're willing to pay more but want to stay in the Ballantine's range, the 12 year old blend is a huge improvement over this.

7th October 2013

Its so sexy and fine just like man

17th September 2013

I've finally settled on Ballantine's as my evening tipple when I'm not in the mood to drink the expensive stuff. It's obviously not up there with the deluxe blends, but IMO it's a better whiskey than its competitors. Definitely worth a try if you don't know it.

23rd July 2013

it ok

19th July 2013

I'm a whisky noob, but from my limited experience - it tastes mild, sweet and alcoholic, I wouldn't mind more tannin/smoke taste. I would agree with other reviewers who described it as - simple. Nothing wrong with that though, it's like Coca Cola, not a special thing, but everyone can enjoy it.

7th June 2013

Juicy and fresh. A bit like a weird barely legal marriage between a Mr Jack Daniels and a young Scottish wench.

30th May 2013

Everyone has different tastes but I recommend you ignore any negative reviews as you will not find a better blend for the money. Fantastic whisky.

18th April 2013

At this price it can't be beat! Delicious!

2nd March 2013

I have tasted a whole variety of Scotch Whiskeys, but everyday in and out Ballantines everyday is way above the market.

28th February 2013

I was not very impressed with this. I know you can't expect too much from a blend at this price range but given the fact that it's can be £20+ in some places I was expecting something slightly more interesting than the likes of Teachers and Bells but (in my opinion) it isn't. It is very smooth and well balanced but it has a lot of that sort of rubbery flavour that you tend find in cheap blends and it has a slightly bitter finish. It's very similar to Whyte & Mackay Special which is my least favourite of the main 5 cheap blends so I don't think it's one I'll be buying again.

30th January 2013

First impression was a little rough, a little woody, a little earthy, dominated by smokey tones. Added some water and some strong fruity notes escaped - blackberries? But still remains dry with a hint of caramel. Wouldn't recommend for those not familiar with whisky, but it you like slightly harsher taste of the peat and smoke then try it.

21st December 2012

I have A botle more than 40 years old

28th February 2012

One of my favorites.Nice and sweet taste and ofcourse value for money.

1st February 2012

A bit too sweetish. I find the taste to be a bit too simple. Might be good option for "non-whisky" guests maybe. But really can't even compare it with Laphroaig.

11th September 2011

For the price point I don't know how much better you could do. It is really approachable, really easy on peat and smoke. A middle ground whiskey that everyone could enjoy if offered a glass.

31st August 2011

This is the one i was drinking on my recent holiday.It is included in the all inclusive deal at the hotel.I drank it as a chaser along with a half of San Miguel beer.I had a very good holiday thank you.The bar staff were very very generous with the measures.it took six sips to finish just one drink.Excellent drink.

11th August 2011

This is the one which makes you feel good.

19th May 2011

If you are looking for a complete whisky - this is it. Consistent and robust, rich in aroma and nose. Balanced with just the right amount of peat and gentle smokiness, this blend has stood the test of time as a benchmark of steadfastness.

29th June 2010

sweet

25th May 2010