Ballantine’s Finest is the original recipe from the blended Scotch Whisky brand. Created back in 1910, it remains a balanced spirit that’s an excellent, price efficient entry into the Whisky world. If you’re looking for an entry point to blended Scotch, Ballantine’s Finest is a great place to start.
It’s blended using over 50 single malts (with emphasis on Miltonduff and Glenburgie) as well as four single grain Whiskies. The goal here is balance and not one single expression dominates the others.
On the nose, soft, heather honey aromas blend with a hint of spice.The palate is balanced, leaning towards the sweet, featuring the flavors of milk chocolate, red apple, and vanilla. The finish is fresh and floral with a surprisingly round mouthfeel.
The Finest can be sipped near or on the rocks, but is also an excellent addition to a cocktail. If you’re looking to mix something up, the brand recommends The Black Coffee:
The Black Coffee
- 35ml Ballantine’s Finest
- 15ml Kahlua
- 75ml cream
- 75ml milk
- 2 shots of cold brewed coffee
- 1 shot of caramel syrup
- Pinch of salt
- Coffee beans
Grab a cocktail shaker, add cubed ice to the top then all your ingredients, except the coffee beans. Shake it up. then shake it up some more. You’ll work your muscles on this one. Place a strainer over the shaker and pour into a highball glass over ice. Garnish with coffee beans for the ultimate wake up call.
Based in Dumbarton, Scotland, Ballentine’s is the world’s second highest selling Scotch Whisky. The Pernod Ricard-owned brand can trace its heritage back to 1827, when founder George Ballantine set up a mall grocery store in Edinburgh. Over time, his clients went on to include Hindu Royal Family and 1895 the company received a Royal Warrant from Queen Victoria.
Ballentine’s makes two other Whiskies, a 12 Year Old and a 17 Year Old.
Ballantine’s Finest Ratings:
- Distiller: 2.56/5
- Whiskybase: 65.91/100