Explore The Ballantine’s Range of Blended Scotch Expressions

 Whether you’re looking to relax after a hard day’s work with a glass of something special, or want to buy a gift for friends and family, exploring Scotch whisky has never been easier thanks to the endless variety of expressions available in the market.

With a Scotch as well established as Ballantine's available at a wide range of prices, we thought it would be interesting to put together a few expert reviews on this article. 

The idea was to find out what makes Ballantine's tick and what expressions are amongst the best in the company's lineup.

Ballantine’s Finest 

For something as old as whiskey, Ballantine's Finest is surprisingly modern. It's got a smooth flavor and a satisfying hum, and it blends more than 50 single malts (with particular emphasis on Miltonduff and Glenburgie) as well as 4 single grain whiskies. 

And now, with its new owners, the Pernod Ricard Group, the blended Scotch is getting serious momentum in overseas markets.

Ballantine’s 12-Year-Old 

When you first open Ballantine's 12, you'll notice a comforting nose of fruit salad and sherry, mixed nuts. The palate is creamy, nearly velvety, with notes of buttery pastry, mochaccino, and spice. 

The finish is gentle, with a lingering fruitcake note. The two key ingredients are Miltonduff and Glenburgie malt whiskies.

Ballantine’s 21-Year-Old 

Ballantine's 21-year-old whisky is a labor of love that took more than two decades to create, and when you taste it, you'll understand why. 

Aged in European oak casks for more than twenty years, Ballentine's 21 is carefully blended by Sandy Hyslop, the fifth master blender of Ballentine's. 

Hyslop selects whiskies from throughout Scotland—including Speyside, Islay, Highlands, and Lowlands—to craft this smooth and rich whisky. 

With aromas of fruit and wood smoke and flavors of licorice, spice, barley, and honey, Ballantine's 21 is a warm welcome on a cold night or a refreshing sip during the summer.

What Makes Ballantine’s Stand Out? 

It's a well-known fact that the best things in life take time, and Ballantine's Scotch whisky is no exception. 

The Ballantine family developed the recipe for the Ballantine's Finest expression in 1910. Now, more than 110 years later, the recipe remains unchanged and is used to create the second highest-selling brand of Scotch whisky throughout the world.

They take three top-notch single malts from their distilleries: Miltonduff, Glenburgie, and Glentauchers—and combine those with the smoothest grain whisky available at their state-of-the-art Strathclyde distillery. 

While Ballantine’s relies on many different recipes, ageing periods, and barrels, when it comes to this blend, their secret is consistency all the way.

But the consistent quality and an original recipe are not the only reasons why we love to drink Ballantine’s Scotch whisky. 

There is one more reason: taste! When people see a bottle of Ballantine’s Scotch whisky, they cannot help but feel tempted to have a taste of it. 

Bottom Line 

Some of the drinks are smooth and easy to drink, while others are complex enough to challenge even an experienced palate.

It all depends on your preferences, but if you want to learn about blended Scotch, these are a few of my favorites. 

The Ballantine’s range features some great expressions you’re sure to love, that too at very generous prices.