I just came back from my my parents in law. And I thought it would be fun to share. When I was there, I had some ballantines and Johnny walker red. They don't really drink whiskey, so I already thought it was nice that they bought it just for me. I finished up the ballantines, it has a bit of a burn in the back of the mouth and a peppery flavour when it goes down. Then I started the Johnny walker red. I am sorry to say this but Johnny walker red is nothing compared to ballantines. Ballantines is richer and has more smoke. I see Johnny walker red as the first step, like the very first step in the field of whiskeys. There is nothing wrong with the whiskey, it is just a easy sipping that can be enjoyed. Johnny walker red is my go to for mixers or just a simple casual drink with friends that don't like whiskey. Every person is different, and I can see why people really enjoy it.