Ballantine's 12 Year

Whisky number 12 from the batch of 12 affordable blends I've been rating recently. End of the line, but we're finishing on a good note. Nose: Similar to Ballantine's Finest, its younger brother, but with a little more of everything. Malty, caramel and vanilla toffee (Jersey caramels), mellow buttery notes, fruity. Clean but sweet and with a hint of oak - very pleasant. Palate: Creamy sweet and rich honey/caramel arrival, fruity (stone fruits, stewed prunes, oranges), no smoke to speak of, except perhaps in the background of the grain component. Finish: Short. Sweet grains but a touch of oak tannin towards the end. All in all it's a value purchase and perfectly enjoyable neat or with a dash of water. I'd put this in the same league as Dewar's 12 year old. If I was being completely objective I'd probably rate this as 78-79/100, but I have a particular liking for this blend and I buy it a lot, so I'm increasing the score a little to put it in 3 star territory. For the money it really is good value. "Above Average" : 80/100 (3 stars)