Ballantine’s 12 Year Aged Blended Scotch Whisky Review
There are many things that have come out of Scotland that have either shaped the world we live in today, or simply make it better – the telephone, television, refrigerator, pedal bike, steam engine, anaesthesia and so much more besides, but let’s talk about something really important – Scotch Whisky.
Specifically, we’re talking about Ballantine’s 12 Year Aged Blended Scotch Whisky. When I say talk, I mean, pour, smell, sip, and think, because that’s what it takes to write up a review of a great whisky. As I write this, I’m sitting in the warmth of my home, there’s no noise around me, and I’m faced with the classically designed bottle, unique and vibrant outer tin, and a glass of the golden spirit.
The first thing to note is the packaging – it’s pretty obscure for a whisky. In fact it’s been designed by musician and artist Reeps One, using an audiovisualiser filled with the whisky itself and vibrated with a music track to create a bizarre but eye-catching result. The bottle itself though is a much more standard affair, but it’s the liquid inside we’re most interested in.
Ballantine’s Scotch Whisky is a 12 year aged blend that really excites the palate. Just opening the cap released the honey and vanilla aromas that in turn had my mouth watering instantly. Poured over some ice and left to mix ever so slightly with the meltwater, this whisky developed and tasted impeccable, especially for the price. There’s a gentle but complex honey tone combined with a velvety soft oak flavour, and together, this hits the back of your throat so softly, a glass is gone in no time.
The DC bar has increased in size over the years and a lot of that has come in the shape of various whisky’s, but we’ll certainly be holding a spot for this 12 year old blend if it’s not poured down our necks too soon! If the worst comes to the worst, we’ll just have to try the other creations on offer from the Scottish masters.Ballantine’s 12 Year Aged Blended Scotch Whisky is available in store and online for around £20, an absolute steal!