Ballantine's 7 Year Bourbon Finish

Ballantine's Bourbon Finish, unlike its Brazilian counterpart, carries a seven-year age statement. However, in this market, the brand opted for an unaged designation, a sensible choice that avoids confusing consumers. This expression is distinct and wouldn't fit alongside the standard Finest or 12-year offerings. The progression is natural: popular creations are often replicated until they become standard practice, a phenomenon seen across arts, film, and spirits. This mirrors the evolution of the "extra-finish" technique, independently pioneered by two distilleries and quickly adopted by many others, eventually influencing blended Scotch. Finishing is a straightforward yet brilliant method where mature whiskey is transferred to different barrel types to enhance specific sensory notes or add depth. This is precisely how Ballantine's Bourbon Finish operates. Launched in Brazil in December 2020, this young blended Scotch is finished for an unspecified period in American oak barrels previously holding bourbon. The process involves blending the whiskeys first, then transferring them to finishing barrels at cask strength before dilution and bottling. As stated by a representative from Pernod-Ricard, the master blender carefully selected individually matured whiskeys, blended them, and then finished them in bourbon barrels, a meticulous process yielding an exceptional flavor profile aimed at new Scotch audiences. The finishing technique, distinct from combining different barrel components where maturation occurs in parallel, involves sequential aging in different casks. For instance, a portion matured in ex-sherry European oak is combined with another matured in ex-bourbon American oak for the final product. However, in finishing, the same liquid is moved from one barrel to another. Two interesting aspects of Ballantine's Bourbon Finish stand out. Firstly, finishing is more commonly and beneficially applied to single malts, where it adds complexity without disrupting balance, as different barrels mature at varying rates. Its application in blends is less common, though gaining traction. Secondly, this particular expression is finished in the same type of barrel—bourbon—that already contributes to its blend. The goal isn't to introduce a new flavor but to intensify an existing characteristic, boosting its presence rather than adding novelty. The result is a blend rich in caramel, vanilla, honey, and crème brûlée notes. Ballantine's Bourbon Finish is a young, light, and sweet whiskey, with a pronounced honey, caramel, and vanilla profile, even more so than the 12 Year Old. From this reviewer's perspective, it demonstrates that sophisticated techniques can elevate accessible labels, reflecting an evolution in both consumer taste and the industry. BALLANTINE’S BOURBON FINISH Type: Blended Whiskey without stated age Brand: Ballantine’s Region: N/A ABV: 40% Tasting Notes: Aroma: Fruity, nutty, honey. Flavor: Sweet, caramel, honey, vanilla, almonds. Sweet and floral, with a vanilla and caramel finish. Source: Bottled Dog.

I actually prefer this one over the finest, I believe. The bourbon cask finish imparts such a smooth texture, making it very easy to drink. That's why I consider it a fantastic introductory whisky: it's affordable, approachable, and doesn't taste like what novices might expect whisky to taste like. Once one develops a more refined palate for whisky, I can understand why some might find this one uninspired or disappointing, but I think it performs its role reasonably well. It's also excellent for introducing people to drinking spirits neat. nose: vanilla, cotton candy, floral mouth: dark herbal, dark chocolate, spicy, creamy

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 16/10/2021 Lüleburgaz Nose: Sweet and fresh. Vanilla and Amasya apple notes are prominent. A light hint of honey is present. Palate: Fruity, medium-bodied, with an oily and slick texture. Finish: A medium finish for a spirit. Slightly sweet. Noticeable caramel and especially apple flavor lingers on the palate. Overall: Generally an easy-drinking, balanced, and aromatic spirit. The Bourbon finish is noticeable at every stage. Can be enjoyed neat, with ice, or in cocktails. The Bourbon finish imparts vanilla and smooth aromas. Ideal for summer. 76/100

Aged golden color. Medium oiliness. On the nose, sweet and toasted notes dominate. Notes of cookie, brown sugar, baked apples, vanilla beans, and smoke. In the mouth, little body. Alcoholic. Herbal, peppery, with notes of cookie and wood. Short finish, with only the alcohol remaining.

Third tasting of the evening. Approximately 4/5 of the bottle remains. The alcohol aroma is faint. There's a strong alcoholic burn in the aftertaste. The whiskey's taste is subtle and fades rapidly. A pleasant aftertaste resembling sweet urine. A faint hint of sherry, manifesting as a sweet urine flavor.

Nose: Sweet red apple, banana, cherry liqueur, vanilla, dark chocolate. Palate: Very spicy, black pepper, bitter almond, charred oak, dried plum, malt. Finish: Oaky, bitter spiciness.