Tastes

They claim the recipe hasn't changed, since 1910, yet the abv has dropped from 86.6 proof, to 80 proof, so...this has a clear, golden appearance, with uniform alcohol legs. The aroma is of strong caramel candy, with some corn syrup. The taste is similar, with smoothness, at the edges of the sip. The body is medium, and Ballantine's Finest finishes moderately long. It's a good value. RJT

Pale, straw appearance, with uniform alcohol legs. Nose- measured and mild smoke, with yeasty bread, iodine, and compost. Taste- similar, with all the mild and mellow notes. Very smooth, with no sharp edges. Medium body, with a moderate finish. Outstanding presentation. RJT

Almost completely clear, burnished gold, with no legs. Nose- bready cereal grains. Taste- similar, with some honey and banana. Medium body. Long-moderate finish. RJT

Clear, amber-gold appearance, with uniform alcohol legs. The aroma is of oak and pungent grain. The flavor is of sweet honey, sugar water, oak, a touch of rye spice, and even some wheat. The body is medium, and it finishes moderately long. RJT

Clear, copper appearance, with uniform alcohol legs. Nose- vanilla, charred oak, and corn. Taste- yellow corn, sugar, vanilla, and nut oil. Medium body. Moderately-long finish. RJT

Clear, amber, with ragged alcohol legs. Nose- faint charred oak and some vanilla. Medium body. Moderately-long finish. Simple, but a good value. RJT

A clear, light tan appearance, with standard alcohol legs. Nose- spicy, mentholated grain, with some yeasty funk. Taste- similarly spiced and mentholated grains. Medium body. Low-medium finish. RJT