Ballantine's Gold Seal Extra

Ballantines Finest

This is not to knock the Bally Finest, just to make you aware of the problems of writing a review with a rather smelly cat perched on my lap. Elvis, named originally because his missing tooth gave him a lip-curl reminiscent of the King, who's now going through his very own fat stage (sequins next?), does like to add his own, unique flavour notes...

Score 85/100

Ballantines 12 Year Old

* Nose: quite raw and peaty, dried fruits, caramel, butterscotch, black pepper and some white wine. * Pallet: Toffee, spicy, more black pepper, some smoke and peat, dried fruits come later, impressive. * Finish: quite hot, fruity and a little smoke some very pleasing nuttiness as well. * Mark 8.6 I really like this, i think getting a bottle is in...

Score 86/100

Ballantines 17 Year Old

Nose: Malty and creamy with some polished wood, vanilla and some lemon. Doesn’t seem very young, but not old as well. Palate: Spicy to begin with as in ginger and peppery which turns into a malty delight. Biscuit-y. With malty sugars and semi sweet chocolate. Finish : Getting dry, and some fruit and malt remains. This is a lovely piece of...

Score 82/100

Ballantines Finest

I’ve probably tasted Ballantine’s Finest dozens of times, and I’ve always found it pleasant, but I’ve never really paid close attention to it. This is probably because of its “bottom shelf” price. This has been a mistake on my part that I’m endeavouring to rectify. Every whisky should be evaluated in the same manner, regardless of its price point....

Score 87/100