Оценка: 79-80/100.Цена: около 40 лв
Ballantine`s 12 y.o. blended whisky
I received an opportunity to try Ballantine`s 12 y.o. blended whisky. A friend of mine had available bottle, and pleasantly surprised me as gave it to me, along with some of the liquid in it. It was not long, and I decided to present it to you, as to diversify the series reviews of single malt distillates.
Ballantine`s company has a long history. In 1827 George Ballantine set up a grocery store in Edinburgh, in which began offering whisky. Apparently trade went well as later – in 1865 opened another store in Glasgow. His son, Archibald, took over the trade, and George devoted his energy to the production of blended whisky. His other son – George junior, also joined the business. „George Ballantine & Son“ company was founded. Trade was successful venture. The produced whisky began to spread with great success. In 1919 the business was purchased by Barclay and McKinlay, which continued building on the reputation of the brand. Furthermore, the company was one of the few, who in the late 20’s of the 20th century offered 17 and 30-year-old distillates. In 1937, Canadian company „Hiram Walker & Worts“ purchased Ballantine’s. To develop the blended whisky they bought Glenburgie and Miltonduff distilleries and also built grain distillery in Dumbarton. The business went well and in the 80’s, Ballantine’s became the most popular brand blended whisky in Europe. In 1988 the company became part of the alcohol conglomerate Allied Domecq. In 2002 the Dumbarton distillery and production of grain distillate was shifting to the Strathclyde distillery. In 2005 Ballantine’s was acquired by the French alcohol giant Pernod Ricard. Except the standard blend, available on the market are also 12-year-old blend, which I’m presenting in the article, Ballantine`s 12 y.o. pure malt whisky, 17, 21, 30 and 40-year-old blends. My notes now.
Aroma – woody, fruity, vanilla, light note of „glue“, pepperness, weak peat and memory of Scapa 12 y.o. malt whisky. Taste – light peat, sweetness, fruity note and slight spiciness. Finish – short in length, earthy note, slightly buttery, toasted and very little bitterness. Assessment: 79-80/100
Price: around 40 lv.