1. Ballantine 12
Over time, I’ve reviewed a variety of whiskies, from blended whiskies like Johnnie Walker to single malts like Glenlivet, and even bourbons from Wild Turkey. However, Ballantine 12 is my first review of Ballantine’s, often referred to as one of the “big three” in the blended whisky category alongside Johnnie Walker Black and Chivas Regal 12 Year Old, known for their excellent value for money.
Ballantine 12 offers a deeper flavor and aroma compared to its Finest expression, providing a balanced and smooth taste. However, this characteristic is sometimes described as lacking distinctiveness, making it akin to a basic form of Scotch whisky.
2. Ballantine’s
1) Ballantine Story
The brand began in 1827 when George Ballantine started selling whisky in his grocery store in Scotland. By 1865, his son had opened a large grocery store in Glasgow, where they began blending and selling their own whisky.
Eventually, George Ballantine & Son Ltd was established to formally manufacture and sell whisky, becoming known for using geese to guard their distillery. Today, it is part of the French company Pernod Ricard.
In Korea, Ballantine’s is thought to match well with Korean tastes due to its unique smooth body and easy swallow, making it a popular choice for gifts without much division in preferences. Recently, Ballantine’s has also introduced single malt products using distillates from distilleries like Glenburgie and Glentauchers, which have traditionally been key malts in their blends.
2) Tasting Notes
Upon nosing, there’s a slight alcohol presence with an emerging nuttiness. As mentioned, the balance is quite good, slightly oily with a hint of sweetness and a decent flavor profile.
I didn’t detect any peat when tasting. It’s smooth, with a slightly bitter spiciness towards the end, making it not bad for neat drinking. Over time, the oiliness seemed to intensify.
3) Product Information
Product Name: Ballantine 12
Manufacturer: Chivas Brothers LTD
Type of Food: Whisky (Scotch Whisky)
Alcohol Content: 40%
Volume: 200ml (442kcal)
Ingredients: 100% Whisky
3. Overall Opinion
In conclusion, Ballantine 12 years old is surprisingly good, living up to its nickname as a standard basic whisky and its reputation for value for money. The slight spiciness may be off-putting for some, but it also adds to its charm.
Understanding its popularity and awards, I’m now curious about the taste of its higher-tier expressions. Having primarily consumed Johnnie Walker series, I’ve come to appreciate the charm of Ballantine’s, which seems more approachable due to the less prominent peat flavor, though a smoky sensation did emerge subtly over time.