What has been keeping you busy during the pandemic winter months? I've been rediscovering my "bar rail" bottles amongst the "fancier" offerings and I came across this bottle of Ballantine's Finest Blended Scotch Whisky. This is a bottle that I'd use when fighting a cold with the almighty power of the hot toddy, but I I've never had it straight before. The initial whiff gives me fermented grain and apricot; almost beer-like in nature. Over time, that cereal tone deepens (boozy cheerios, anyone?) but it still has an objectively light nose. Ballantines has both a moderate burn and light mouthfeel. It is lightly peated, has slight acidity, saltiness and little else. During an inhale, I can taste oak and sweet vanilla. The finish is a bit drying and the peat taste softly lingers indefinitely.  This whisky doesn't offer tremendous substance though it's uncomplicated in the way that a "non whisky enthusiast" might enjoy on ice: a little smoky and inoffensive. Ballantine's could be an inexpensive mixer option to add smokiness within a cocktail. That said, if this is whisky is "Ballantine's Finest", then it leaves much to the imagination.  5.5/10