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.
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.
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.
need whisky for enjoyment
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!
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.
