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