Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Ballantine's Finest Blended Scotch Whisky Review: A Working Man's Whisky

“For her fifth wedding, the bride wore black and carried a scotch and soda.” - Phyllis Battelle


Ballentine’s Finest is no doubt a large name. Not only is it well known in the world of blended scotch, but it is also a foundational staple in the the world of whiskey. This is one of the best selling blends in Europe, while it simultaneously enjoys large fame in eastern countries. Even in places where Jack or Jamison might be scarce you can be sure that Ballentine’s can still be found.  

Created by George Ballantine in 1827, this blend began in much the same way many blended scotch whiskies did, being blended in the back of grocery store. As was common in those times, whiskey was not always as consistent as some would like – hence blenders were in somewhat high demand. Also well known and still touted with pride on the label, Ballentine’s Finest made its way to Glasgow and eventually would become the premier variety for the Royal Family, etching out its place for centuries to come.

Ballentine’s Finest Blended Scotch Whisky Review:
                                    
Price: Around $14.97 for a 750ml bottle.

Packaging/Labeling: Classic. To ask for it any other way would take away from its aesthetic.

Alcoholic Content: 80 Proof, 40% ABV. 

Color: Medium well - with caramel definitely added. 

Nose: Sweet and sour apple, caramel, cherries. Floral notes with chocolate. Has a young character to it.

Tasting: Grainy, however this is mildly enjoyable. Cream lemons, light apple, sweet caramel, and a young herbal finish.

Conclusion: Blended with more than 50 single malts and 4 single grain whiskies, Ballantine’s provides stability for those types of scotch drinkers who choose one blend when they're young and stick with it till they're old. Easy to enjoy, Ballantine’s will not knock your socks off, but neither will it break your bank. Leans more on the side of a scotch and soda sipper, yet this is something you can drink straight after coming home from a long day of work.

14 comments:

  1. How would you compare Ballantine's to JW Black Label?

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    1. Not much of a comparison there. Two worlds apart. Something closer would be the JW Red Label. JW Black Label is a much better and more consistent blend than Ballantine's. Where JW Black Label is a great blend to have while your single malt opens up, Ballantine's would be fine for a mid-afternoon tipple for one who isn't too concerned about adding some ice to the mix. Ballantine's will not satisfy a single malt drinker. I wouldn't really consider mixing JW Black Label with ginger ale or club soda.

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  2. How does it compare to White Horse?

    Thanks!

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  3. I just tried an old bottle of "Ballantine's Very Old Scotch Whisky 17 Years Old" ... it was really nice. How does that compare to "Ballantine’s Finest Blended Scotch Whisky"?

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    1. Sorry for how late of a response this is. Either way I don't have an answer for you - I've never had the Ballantine's 17. Let me know if you ever try it.

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  4. Can you compare this to Glenlivet 12 yo?

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    1. I somehow missed this one - I apologize! Glenlivet 12 is a single malt - one distillery and only malted barley. The distinction is worlds apart. Side by side you would notice the Ballantines as harsh and grainy in comparison to a much more supple and fruity/floral Speyside single malt.

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  5. Replies
    1. I always love how the Grammar Nazis will only comment anonymously. Haha - thanks anyway.

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  6. I found a bottlle in my grandfathers cabinet probably 20-30 years old. I do not imagine this is a commonly aged spirit. So you think this has greatly improved or just gotten old?

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    1. That's awesome! Unlike wine, once bottled, whiskey won't age. Deprived of air (oxidization) it will stay the same. If it has been opened, the oxidation of 20-30 years would most likely have taken its toll. Usually the seals will not hold perfect and you should notice some evaporation if unopened, but the best thing to do it simply try it out. The best way to do this would be to buy a new bottle of Ballantines and compare them side by side, to see how the blenders have changed the product over time - was it a better product then, or now? Cheers!

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