Imperial Classic 12 Year Old Ballantine's

Ballantines 17 Year Old

This is one of the most hyped blends out there for those of you who are disciples of Mr. Murray's whisky bible. And that's not a knock, there's a good reason for that. But, as any good whisky drinker knows, taste is subjective and we must try everything for ourselves. With that in mind, here's my take on the ol' 17. To put it colorfully, this dram...

Score 89/100

Ballantines Finest

This bottle was given to me as a gift from my mum, who managed to pick up a litre bottle fairly cheap on her way back from Spain. So I guess I shouldn't really complain about it! It's got a very light gold colour, almost yellow in the light of my room! The smell is powerful, but not really in a great way. I picked up an almost antiseptic aroma,...

Score 75/100

Ballantines 12 Year Old

Like this a good deal. I am a big fan of the Ballantine's Finest, and this is just a notch or two up from that, mainly because of the extra age and the additional smoothness. While I enjoy Finest on the rocks, this one could go either rocks or neat. Neat, lots of spice, some honey and (as previous reviewers have said) some pear and fruit. Rocks,...

Score 87/100

Ballantines Finest

The lightest of airy blends, with evident grains and a good balance, but I don't buy the comparison with Glenmorangie at all. For $5 less, I'll take a Clan MacGregor.

Score 72/100