Ballantine's 17 Year

Nose: Mild, tranquil, and featuring delicate woody scents reminiscent of cedar shavings. Notes of malted barley, cereal, fresh and dried apples, a whisper of brine, and some herbaceous qualities. It clearly smells of grain whisky, and of high quality. The often-mentioned smoky character is barely perceptible. Palate: A smooth, sweet cereal arrival that is quite inviting. This palate offers absolutely nothing aggressive. Orchard fruits emerge in the middle, balanced by a gentle saltiness and a trace of spice. There's also a toffee or fudge undertone that becomes more apparent if you allow the whisky to rest and open in the glass. However, the immediate essence of the palate is weak black tea, with smoke present very faintly in the far distance, almost disappearing. Finish: Brief. It recedes into a standard grain whisky impression, leaving only weak tea and some watery cereal notes in its wake. Your enjoyment of this will hinge entirely on your preference for classic blended scotch, as that is its distinct character. It's remarkably easy to drink and mellow; perhaps even "smooth." To be very bold, it presents a "feminine" character. Unlike the Ballantine's Finest and 12 year old blends (which I appreciate), this isn't designed for mixing or heavy dilution, maybe just a splash of soda. It's meant solely for sipping neat, crafted to be as pleasant and approachable as possible. Even individuals unfamiliar with whisky would likely enjoy this. It shares similarities with Haig Gold Label, and like that expression, it has a deliberately subdued malt presence and relies on excellent, mellow grain whisky. If this description appeals to you, you will surely appreciate this whisky. Conversely, if you seek bold, vivid flavors and aromas, you should look elsewhere as this might seem thin. I'm finding pleasure in this bottle, acquired at a discount of about one-third off the usual price (the listed price is the standard retail), but even with that reduction, I likely wouldn't purchase it again. "Above Average": 82/100 (3.25 stars)

Despite my dislike for Ballantine's Finest and Ballantine's 12yo, I visited a club last night and, after reviewing the liquor menu, decided to try the Ballantine's 17yo as it was the only one I hadn't had before. Naturally, I requested to see the bottle, which featured a stunning, vintage-style label. This is a very good dram. While I wouldn't purchase it myself, I acknowledge a significant improvement compared to the disappointing Finest and 12yo versions. Bottled at 43% ABV, with a chestnut oloroso sherry color. On the nose, the initial impression is salt and dry grass. After some air, it develops a sweeter aroma, with vanilla cream, milk chocolate, and butter cake. I felt it was a bit muted and rated it 21 out of 25. On the palate, it's much better. This hobby of reviewing whiskies is wonderful because it demonstrates how a cereal note can be unpleasant at times and pleasant at others. This dram felt very good on the palate with tobacco and cereal notes, a pleasant warmth, and a peppery sensation that slightly numbs the lips. There's also some smoke. The aftertaste is long and pleasant, very mouth-watering. Overall, I'm giving this dram a particularly high score: 91 out of 100 (according to my rating system), though it felt closer to an 89 out of 100. Regardless, it's a good dram (that I wouldn't buy) and it certainly deserves the high score I've awarded it.

Distillery: Pernod Ricard (even though it's from Chivas) Malts: Scapa, Glenburgie, Miltonduff, and Glentauchers Type: Blended Scotch ABV: 40% Recognized as the world's best whisky in 2011 by Jim Murray Second best-selling whisky brand globally Nose: Sweet maltiness, honey, vanilla, a lot of dulce de leche aroma, light milk chocolate, fruity notes leaning towards yellow fruits, buttery, grain whisky (with a stronger perception of single malts), floral, faint old wood notes, slight spiciness, and very well-integrated alcohol. A subtle smoke is present, almost imperceptible. Palate: Largely consistent with the nose, appearing less sweet (though still sweet), spicier, with a more noticeable alcohol presence (though not unpleasant), robust bitterness, vanilla, light woodiness, honey, fruitiness, and drier. A very light smokiness. It seemed less balanced on the palate than on the nose, but it remains a smooth whisky. Finish: Short, dominated by sweetness, bitterness, woodiness, and a touch of alcohol warmth. Overall Impressions: A smooth, soft, relatively complex blended whisky with an excellent value for money. Recommended for sipping neat, with ice, or even in more elaborate cocktails requiring a higher quality whisky.

Awarded top whisky in a 2011 competition by a certain critic. Its color is coppery, appearing possibly artificial, with respectable legs. The aroma is delicate yet pleasing, revealing notes of sea salt, vanilla, and toffee. It also presents maple syrup and fresh orchard fruits like apples and pears. Gentle waves of smoke and fresh peat emerge, accompanied by a floral scent of grassy, heather honey. Hints of melon and a subtle pretzel dough character, reminiscent of flavors found in many blended whiskies, are also present. The palate is sweet, perhaps excessively so. Flavors of apple, pear, vanilla, maple syrup, toffee/caramel, and a very mild peat/sea salt come through. A soft peppery spice develops when allowed to linger on the tongue. The finish is brief, featuring fruit, vanilla, and sweet woody notes. This whisky truly captures a broad spectrum of Scottish whisky characteristics, incorporating elements from various regions and styles, such as Speyside fruitiness, Islay smokiness, island brine, and sherry sweetness. While it's a well-crafted blend, its sweetness level is a bit much for my preference. It doesn't offer a dramatically superior experience compared to many significantly less expensive blends, but it was quite enjoyable. I finished the bottle some time ago, and my recollections are from old notes, but I recall this spirit favorably, though not exceptionally so. In the end, it falls into the category of premium whiskies where reputation might outweigh the depth of flavor, even though I did appreciate the flavors that were present.

A "fresh and light" whisky, suitable for any occasion, even accompanying a meal instead of wine! On the nose, I perceive a fruit salad and strong vanilla. On the palate, vanilla, crème brûlée, figs, and even marzipan. It's an oily whisky that leaves a pleasant spicy sensation on the tongue. The finish is citrusy, slightly bitter, and very well-balanced. An excellent whisky, though personally, I didn't find it as extraordinary as a renowned critic who has a deep passion for this product! To each their own! _______________________________________________________________________________ Whisky "fresh and light," that is truly good on any occasion, even for pairing with meals instead of wine! On the nose, I detect a fruit salad and strong vanilla. On the palate, vanilla, crème brûlée, figs, even marzipan. Oily whisky, which leaves a pleasant spicy note on the tongue. Citrus finish, slightly bitter, very balanced. An excellent whisky, but which I personally did not find phenomenal like the great critic, who has a real passion for this product! To each their own!

The finest blended whisky I've encountered to date. Remarkably complex yet incredibly smooth. The nose offers rich honey with a subtle, Talisker-like hint of peaty brine and faint green fruits (pear/apple). The palate is quite malty, evolving into dark chocolate/cocoa. The subtle peat remains, accompanied by a touch of leather. The finish? A gradual, controlled build-up of vanilla cream and a spicy, cinnamon finish. A comforting, extended finish with a slow-building warmth in the chest. An outstanding blend, demonstrating exceptional complexity while being expertly crafted from start to finish.