Get to Know Ballantine’s Finest

Whisky is that kind of spirit that may be intimidating for first-time drinkers. But if one is going to start somewhere, then why not with Ballantine’s Finest, one of the best-selling blended Scotch whiskies in the world?

“It’s nice, sweet, sleek, and incredibly well-balanced, and is a perfect whisky to start off on your whisky journey,” shares Chivas Regal Ambassador Hamish Houliston, who led an intimate tasting session with the media to introduce Ballantine’s Finest.

This blended Scotch whisky has a sweet and smooth taste with a touch of vanilla and subtle tones of honey, milk chocolate, and red apple that stands out from the woody, smoky, or spicy flavors usually associated with whisky. It is blended from 50 single malts as well as four single grain whiskies from the four corners of Scotland and is the oldest recipe in the range as it was first made in 1910. With the mantra “Stay True,” Ballantine’s Finest has stood the test of time, with nearly 200,000 bottles being sold around the world daily.

“Ballantine’s also a brand with great heritage that goes back to the 1800s. It’s got great quality credentials, it wins awards every year. It’s got a wide portfolio of blended scotches, and also single malts. So it appeals to different tastes, and all sorts of different budgets,” reveals John O’Sullivan, managing director of Pernod Ricard Philippines.

Ballantine’s has only had five master blenders in over a century, with the current position held by Sandy Hyslop, the most prolific of the master blenders. He has brought new whisky tastes to the market like Ballantine’s Brasil and Hard Fired, and has also added Ballantine’s 40 to the family, the oldest expression ever in the range.

While Ballantine’s Finest is positioned to appeal to a whisky beginner, seasoned whisky lovers will also enjoy it. Here are several suggested options on how to drink Ballantine’s Finest: neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. No matter what you like and how you like it, there’s just no wrong way to mix. Its well-balanced flavor makes Ballantine’s a good whisky to make classic cocktails and experiment with as well. Retailing for Php 699 online, the price is another major factor in Ballantine’s appeal.

“Whisky is a very, very important and fast-growing category in the Philippines. Ballantine’s is — although it’s not very well known in the Philippines (yet) — the second-largest Scotch whisky brand in the world. So we definitely have a strong position to start from,” notes O’Sullivan.

Well-respected and an award-winning brand, Ballantine’s is an approachable and affordable whisky that is ideal for those who are just starting out in their drinking journey.

Get your bottle of Ballantine’s Finest in S&R outlets for Php 599 SRP, or if you prefer to order online, Boozy.ph offers Ballantine’s Finest for Php 699. It’s also available at leading supermarkets.

Visit their website or follow Ballantine’s on Facebook and Instagram for more information and updates on Ballantine’s blended Scotch whiskies.