Ballantines Finest whisky was Jim Murray's No Age Statement Blend of the Year with a whopping 96 points! The critic seems to have a real penchant for the brand, awarding the 17 year old expression a similar score. Ballantines Finest is a great all-rounder - easy-going and very flavoursome. A classic blend.
Expressive, crisp barley sugars. Touch of wood smoke, toffee.
Rich and sweet. Barley and caramel, very gentle peat.
Soft and sweet, fudge.
I must say that before last week, the last time I had that was 10 year ago and it was mixed with coke... I had so many drinks that particular night, I could not drink whisky for years. Since then I have tried about 70 to 80 whiskys. Anyway, I tried this one again the other, neat, and I was quiet impressed ! It is not a total killer of course, but considering the prices, jesus it is good ! I really love the texture, it is so oily and smooth, close to perfection. I find it a way better than typical Speyside single malt like Craggenmore or Cardu. Really really...
Nice app
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.
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.
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.
