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)
42.0
AUD
per
Bottle
Create Account
or
Sign in
to comment on this review
Great review!
When I was at Scapa distillery recently the fellow giving our tour (very personalised - just Mrs Cascode & me) told me that Scapa is a major component of Ballantine's blends, and the much praised 43% 17 year old that was available a few yeas ago happend to feature a high percentage of quite old Scapa spirit. Apparently it was a one-off deal which is why the standard 17 year old is now 40% and features younger Scapa.
Thanks! Maybe I can find the old 43% ABV version of Ballentine's 17yo!
I had a bottle of the old 43% Ballantine's 17 a while ago and it was excellent - probably the best blend I've tasted. I don't know what the contemporary 40% blend is like, but I'm told it is good, but not as good. Never tried the 21 year. Premium blends can be pretty nice, but on the whole I prefer single malts. Usually I have on hand a blend for mixing (most often Black Label) and a sipping blend (generally a JW of some sort, or a Compass Box. Black Bull 12 is my latest favourite.
Have you tried any older Ballentine's, like the 17- or 21-year-old? They got pretty good reviews although I generally don't spend that much money on blends... maybe I should?