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