Ballantine’s Finest Blended Scotch Whisky

Tasting Note: 

• Appearance: A warm amber hue with hints of golden honey, hinting at its years of oak aging. The liquid is medium-bodied and clings slightly to the glass, suggesting a rich and flavorful experience.
• Aroma: A bold and inviting nose greets you, led by a wave of warm, spiced fruit notes. Ripe peaches and apricots mingle with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, followed by a touch of vanilla and caramel sweetness. As the aroma opens up, deeper notes of toasted oak and honey emerge, offering complexity and balance.
• Palate: The first sip delivers a rich and spicy punch, coating the palate with a wave of flavorful warmth. The initial sweetness of honey and vanilla quickly gives way to a symphony of spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of cloves dance on the tongue. Juicy stone fruit flavors, particularly peach and apricot, add a touch of brightness. The oak influence is present but subtle, providing a backbone of structure and a hint of smokiness.
• Finish: The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering memory of spice and oak. The warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg lingers on the tongue, joined by a whisper of honey and a touch of oak-tinged tannin. It fades slowly, leaving you wanting another sip.

Overall, Ballantine’s Finest Blended Scotch Whisky is a bold and flavorful blend that embodies the classic spirit. It’s complex and balanced, offering a delightful interplay of fruit, spice, and oak. Its richness and warmth make it perfect for sipping neat or enjoying in a classic scotch cocktail like an Old Fashioned.

Food Pairing:

Food Pairings for Ballantine’s Finest Blended Scotch Whisky:

Ballantine’s Finest’s bold and flavorful character offers exciting culinary possibilities! Here are some delicious pairings to enhance your experience:

Savory:

• Smoked Meats: The whisky’s smoky notes and oak influence complement the charry flavors of grilled or barbecued meats like brisket or pulled pork. The sweetness balances the richness, while the tannins help cut through the fat.
• Spicy Dishes: The whisky’s warmth and spice stand up to the heat of chili, Thai curries, or chorizo. The sweetness cuts through the spice, while the complex character adds depth to the dish.
• Aged Cheeses: Sharp cheeses like cheddar or Gruyère offer a salty counterpoint to the whisky’s sweetness. The oak notes complement the cheese’s nuttiness, while the creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the whisky’s warmth.
• Oysters or Smoked Salmon: The briny notes of oysters and the smoky flavors of salmon harmonize with the whisky’s oak and spice. The sweetness balances the richness, while the tannins cut through the fattiness.

Sweet:

• Chocolate Cake: The whisky’s sweetness and spice play beautifully with the bitterness of dark chocolate cake. The creaminess of the cake enhances the whisky’s richness, while the tannins cleanse the palate for next bite.
• Apple Crumble: The tart and tangy apples in the crumble find a delightful counterpoint in the whisky’s sweetness and spice. The oak notes complement the crumble’s buttery topping, while the tannins offer a touch of astringency.
• Spiced Pears: Poached pears with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg echo the whisky’s own spice character. The sweetness of the pears balances the whisky’s richness, while the warmth creates a luxurious pairing

• Avg Price (ex-tax)
• $ 17 / 700 ml / 40% abv

EUROPE’S NO.1 SCOTCH WHISKY & VOTED WORLD’S BEST BLENDED SCOTCH 2020, WITH A RECIPE THAT HAS STAYED TRUE TO IT’S ORIGINAL SINCE 1910.

https://www.ballantines.com/en/range/ballantines-finest