Today I try a blend; the Ballantine’s Finest blended Scotch whisky. Ballantine’s Scotch whisky dates back to 1827. George Ballantine began supplying a selected range of blended Scotch whiskies to distinguished customers from his grocery store in Edinburgh.

Sales were good, and Ballantine employed another son, George Jr to help with the expansion. They soon began exporting products to Europe and the business went from strength to strength.

In 1895 Queen Victoria awarded George Ballantine & Son a Royal Warrant – the most significant endorsement of the company’s prestigious reputation.

The business remained under George Jr’s watchful eye until 1919 when Barclay & McKinlay acquired the business. In 1938 the company received its Grant of Heraldic Arms. This Grant recognized George Ballantine & Sons as an ‘incorporation noble on the Nobleness of Scotland’.

This crest appears on every bottle of Ballantine’s Scotch. The blend is made up from as many as 50 single malts. The blend includes single grains and malt from distilleries like Miltonduff and Glenburgie.

Based on 2012 sales, Ballantine’s blended Scotch whisky is one of the top 10 whisky brands in the world. Today the Ballantine brand is owned by Pernod Ricard and produced in Dumbarton, Scotland.

I received this whisky as a gift from friends and have never tried any Ballantine’s whisky before this tasting. So it should be interesting, given my preference for single malts.

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Ballantine’s Finest Blended Scotch Whisky Review

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Light gold. The spirit is quite oily for a blend, which promised good things.

NOSE: Fruitcake, glazed cherries, wood and spice came through. Wow! I was not expecting this complexity from a blend.

PALATE: Smooth and has a beautiful, substantial full body. Flavours of Christmas cake, dried fruit and muscovado sugar are evident. In the background are hints of peat and smoke.

FINISH: The finish is also brilliant. Long and lingering, Ballantine’s Finest ends in notes of spice, ginger and fudge.

RATING: DIVINE

I was blown away by this Ballantine’s Finest blended Scotch whisky. I never expect a budget blend to taste this fantastic. This one is super smooth and full-bodied. Luxurious and sophisticated, the Ballantine’s Finest is an easy-drinking spirit that will have you reaching for a second and third glass.

From its appearance in the glass, the nose, palate and finish, this blend has surprised me with its complexity and richness. In the end, this Ballantine’s Finest whisky achieved my highest possible score.

I have tasted many whiskies over the past two years, but this is the first blend to achieve this rating. And the best of it all is the price. This affordable blend retails for around R 250 in South Africa.

Both me and John fell in love with this brand and over time, have built up quite a collection. I have also tried the Ballantine’s 30 yo Scotch whisky and wrote about it here.

Update: This past weekend I spend some time sitting outside on the patio exploring a comparison between the Teacher’s Highland Cream whisky and the Ballantine’s Finest. Both are budget blends and it made for a fun afternoon. The Ballantine’s Finest whisky also pairs wonderfully with a rich Camembert.

Related Article: Teacher’s Whisky

Chivas Regal 12 year old Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 05/28/2021

In Blended whisky

When you hear the name Chivas Regal, it’s like stepping back in time to a bygone era of whisky, where it was served in dimly lit, dark wood and leather-clad libraries. For me, it evokes memories of my father, reclining with a “scotch” in hand, especially the Chivas Regal 12 year old blended Scotch whisky, his all-time favourite, some four decades ago.

This dram has stood the test of time and maintained a stellar reputation that continues to captivate whisky enthusiasts.

Paul Pacult, in the year 2000, aptly described it as “the blend for grown-ups, for people who have made their rites of passage and are ready to enjoy their success. Sweet, but not cloying. Buxom, but not overblown.”

Chivas Brothers, with roots tracing back to 1801, initially opened a grocery store in Aberdeen, catering to an affluent clientele by offering luxury products like coffee, exotic spices, and imported French brandies. This establishment had a cellar, where the brothers initiated the tradition of ageing whiskies.

As times evolved, their discerning patrons sought a smoother, more opulent whisky experience. In response, the brothers began blending these aged whiskies. They crafted a proprietary blend, Royal Glen Dee, followed by another, Royal Strathythan.

In the early 1900s, with the U.S. economy booming and a surge in demand for luxury goods, Chivas Brothers introduced a new blend for export, christening it Chivas Regal.

However, Prohibition and World War 2 intervened, causing a temporary halt in production. But once the dust settled, Chivas Regal re-emerged as the beloved Chivas Regal 12 year old whisky.

To meet the ever-growing demand, Chivas Brothers acquired the Strathisla distillery, which plays a pivotal role in producing one of the primary components of the blend. The heart and soul of Chivas Regal is still the Strathisla distillery, nestled in Moray in Speyside, Scotland. Notably, Strathisla distillery holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating distillery in Scotland.

The Chivas range extends beyond the Chivas Regal 12 year old blended Scotch whisky. It includes other delightful offerings like Chivas Extra, the exquisite Chivas XV, and the sophisticated Chivas 18 year old whisky. The brand is owned by Pernod Ricard.

Now, let’s delve into the Chivas Regal 12 year old whisky itself:

Also Read: How to start a whisky club

Chivas Regal 12 year old Blended Whisky Review

The Chivas Regal 12 year old whisky is a blend of many different malt and grain whiskies, matured for at least 12 years.
ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Golden wheat with hints of mahogany

NOSE: Sweet aromas with hints of fresh cherries, caramel toffee, freshly cut flowers, and a subtle woodiness. There’s a refreshing green note on the nose, complemented by traces of cinnamon and vanilla.

PALATE: Neat, the Chivas offers a peppery spice kick. Notes of toasted oak, malt, and a touch of fruity sweetness make it a smooth, medium-bodied dram. Adding a few drops of water transforms the experience, softening the peppery notes and accentuating the creamy toffee and malt.

FINISH: A medium-length finish with lingering notes of peppery spice and zesty lemon rind.

RATING: VERY GOOD

It’s a drink that holds a special place in my heart and my hubby, who once considered it an aspirational choice. It was my father’s preferred pour and John’s dream drink when he grew up. However, as John and I revisit it after many years, we can’t help but wonder what all the fuss was about.

While it remains a smooth, easy-drinking option that won’t break the bank, it tends to blend into the background. It’s nicely balanced and well-crafted, but nothing truly stands out.

In South Africa the Chivas 12 year old retail for around R420 and in India it costs around ₹ 3,280.

Perhaps our palates have evolved towards whiskies with bolder flavour profiles over the years. Nevertheless, it’s still a pleasant choice, especially with a few drops of water to enhance the experience.

For those curious about how Chivas Regal 12 year old stacks up against Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky or even intrigued by a side-by-side comparison with Chivas Extra, stay tuned for our rainy afternoon experiments in exploring the nuances of these blended drams.

I have also experimented with the Chivas 12 year old and the Glenfiddich 12 year old to see how the blend match up to the single malt. Follow the link to see my views on this comparison.

Also Read: Dewar’s 12 yo Whisky

Redbreast 12 year old Irish Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 05/24/2021

In Irish Whiskey

I tasted the Redbreast 12 year old single pot still Irish at a whisky show a year before Covid and bought a bottle on the spot. I am not the biggest Irish whiskey fan, but the 12 year old convinced me to explore more. So it got added to my collection, and it is time for me to explore it a bit further.

Redbreast is a single pot still Irish whiskey produced by Irish Distillers at the Midleton distillery in Cork. Single pot still Irish whiskey is made from a mash using both malted and unmalted barley. It is then triple distilled in copper pot stills. Scottish whisky only uses malted barley. This style of whiskey is unique to Ireland.

Redbreast was originally produced by Gilbey’s, a Dublin spirits merchant using distillate sourced from Jameson’s Bow Street Distillery. In the 1980s, the brand was purchased by Irish Distillers, the producer of Jameson.

Other Redbreast releases available include Redbreast 12 year old Cask Strength, Redbreast 15 year old, Redbreast 21 year old, Redbreast Lustau Edition (matured for its final year in Bodegas Lustau sherry casks) and Redbreast 27 year old whiskey.

The first official mention of “Redbreast” only dates back to 1912, when Gilbey’s referred to the sale of “Redbreast” J.J. Liqueur Whiskey 12 year old. “Redbreast” was a nickname given to one of the whiskeys by Gilbey’s chairman at the time, who was an avid birdwatcher, in reference to Robin Redbreast.

Irish Distillers relaunched the brand in 1991. Midleton distillery also produces Jameson and Tullamore Dew whiskey. The Redbreast 12 year old whiskey is aged in first-fill Olorosso sherry casks and ex-bourbon barrels.

Also Read: Dunville’s Three Crowns Peated Whiskey

Redbreast 12 year old Irish Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: Ireland

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Yellow gold

NOSE: Sweet ripe red fruits sprinkled with toasted nuts, banana and pears. Vibrant and fresh. Hints of vanilla, spice, and freshly baked sugar cookies.

PALATE: Fruity sweetness and toasted oak. The Redbreast is luxurious and creamy with hints of marzipan, lots of fruit salad sweetness and roasted nuts. A balance of wood and red berry sweetness mixed with bits of pepper and ginger.

Add water carefully. Only a drop or two is needed. The water can quickly tone down the fruity sweetness too much.

FINISH: Long and creamy sweetness, lemon rind and pepper spice.

RATING: EXCELLENT

It is a lovely late summer afternoon sipping whisky. Not the most complex dram, but memorable and fruity. The sherry casks shine through on this release, and from here on, it just gets better.

The Redbreast 12 year old whiskey is an excellent start to the range, and I have tasted both the Lustau and the 15 year old whiskey, and the delicious taste expansion continues in the older releases.

Also Read: Bushmills 16 yo Whiskey

Tullamore DEW vs Jameson Irish Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 02/15/2021

In Whisky Comparison

Tullamore DEW vs Jameson irish whiskey comprison
My second side-by-side comparison for 2021 and I am looking at two well-known Irish whiskey brands: Tullamore DEW vs the Jameson Irish whiskey. Jameson whiskey is the top-selling Irish whiskey in the world, by quite a significant number.

Second is Tullamore DEW with Bushmills following not far behind. I am not the biggest Jameson fan, so we had some fun over the weekend pitting with these two drams against each other. I did it in a blind tasting to take out the bias element.

Also Read: Johnnie Walker Red vs Black Label whisky

Tullamore DEW Irish Whiskey

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Tullamore DEW is a brand of Irish whiskey produced by William Grant & Sons. The distillery was founded in 1829 by Michael Molloy in Tullamore, County Offaly, Ireland. The Daly Family acquired the distillery after his death.

The brand changed hands various times, and William Grant and Sons purchased it in 2010. The whiskey is triple distilled, triple blended and triple cask matured. Tullamore DEW whiskey is matured in traditional refill casks, ex-bourbon casks and ex-sherry casks.

Jameson Irish Whiskey

Review and tasting notes Jameson's Irish whiskey with glass
John Jameson, a lawyer from Scotland, founded the distillery in Dublin in 1780 and it was called Bow Street Distillery. All four sons followed in his distilling footsteps, and his son John Jameson II took over the family business. At the turn of the 19th century, it was a world-renowned whiskey.

It is part of the Pernod Ricard whiskey portfolio. Jameson whiskey is a blend of pot still and grain whiskey. Like all Irish whiskey, it is triple distilled. The Jameson Irish whiskey is aged for 4 years in oak.

Tullamore DEW vs Jameson Irish Whiskey

Tullamore DEW vs Jameson Irish Whiskey Comparison

	Tullamore DEW Whiskey	Jameson Whiskey
Type	Irish Whiskey	Irish Whiskey
ABV	43%	43%
Colour	Light amber	Gold
Nose	Vanilla and caramel with hints of fresh flowers, butterscotch and citrus with subtropical fruit. In the background, there are faint hints of spice, moss and wood. After the addition of water, the spice and wood dominate the nose.	Freshly baked banana bread, tropical fruit with bits of spicy wood and caramel. Grain mixed with plums, pineapple. Complex and delicious.
Palate	Heaps of spice and oak with hints of grapefruit and lemon rind. Bits of toffee sweetness and malt. However, the peppery spice dominates everything. Adding water mellows out some of the spicy notes.	Very smooth. Medium body but the tropical fruit deliciousness promised by the nose is not there. Bits of malt, aniseed mixed with vanilla and pepper notes. Adding water softens the pepper notes.
Finish	Rather short and end in spicy notes	Short with pepper and orange rind.
My Rating	Very Good	Good
Comments	Quite a spicy whiskey.	The nose promised the world. However, it all fell flat on the palate. Not as complex as I was expecting after the delicious nose.
Price	$29	$32
Pairs well with	Irish Dubliner Cheese.	Hawaiian pizza, Smoked salmon, dried fruit.

My tasting notes for the Tullamore DEW dates from 2016. Since then, my palate has evolved and matured from all the different whisky we taste. Putting these two Irish whiskeys next to each other show how much my tastes has changed.

The Tullamore DEW has notes of caramel, fresh flowers, oak, malt and nearly overwhelming pepper heat. It needs a few drops of water to tone down the spiciness. The Jameson brings notes of banana bread, tropical fruit, malt and vanilla. It has a unique and complex nose, but the nose does not continue on the palate.

The Tullamore DEW was rated ‘Very Good’, and I rated the Jameson whiskey as ‘Good’. However, in the blind tasting, the Jameson came out better than the Tullamore DEW. The Jameson whiskey’s nose is more elegant and inviting, and on the palate, the Jamesons is smoother.

In the Tullamore DEW, the tropical fruit, floral notes, and oaks are more pronounced on the palate than the Jamesons. However, the pepper spiciness of the Tullamore DEW overwhelms all the other tastes. Especially on the finish, the pepper spice of the Tullamore DEW drowns out the fruity sweetness. It is not as smooth as the Jameson, and the finish is shorter as well.

If I had to choose between the two Irish drams, my preference would be the Jameson Irish whiskey. It will never make my list of favourite brands. However, it is excellent for an Irish coffee in winter and this bottle will not go to waste.

Also Read: Teeling Single Malt vs Single Grain Irish Whiskey

Chivas Regal XV Blended Whisky

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 02/01/2021

In Blended whisky

Today I look at something relatively new. Not a new brand, Chivas Regal has been one of the best selling whiskies globally, but a new release. Launched in 2018, Chivas Regal XV whisky is a 15 year old blended Scotch whisky that has been finished in casks that previously held Grande Champagne Cognac.

I have written extensively about the history of Chivas Regal. You can find more in my blog post on the Chivas Regal 12 yo whisky and Chivas Extra. These two releases, especially the Chivas Regal Extra is recognizable for the sherry influence. It will be interesting to see what some finishing in Cognac will do to this fruity house style.

Chivas Regal XV is a blend of grain and single malt whiskies with Strathisla spirits being a significant component. This distillery is known as the spiritual home of Chivas. Strathisla distillery is the oldest continuously operating distillery in the Scottish Highlands. I was curious to find out what Grande Champagne Cognac is and if it had anything to do with bubbly.

Cognac Grande Champagne is a cognac brandy made from grapes grown in the Grande Champagne region, distilled in the Grande Champagne region, and matured in the Grande Champagne region. The area is located just south of Cognac town, sandwiched between the Charente river and its tributary, the Né.

Also Read: Bisquit & Dubouché VS Cognac

Chivas Regal XV Whisky Review

ABV: 43%

COLOUR: Warm amber

NOSE: Fruity sweetness and toasted oats. Bits of creamy oak, oranges, cinnamon and brown sugar, brandy-soaked sultanas. A green floral note in the background. Clean, elegant and inviting.

PALATE: Oak, pepper and dried fruit. Not quite as sweet as the nose suggests. Hints of grain and apples with cinnamon. Adding water brings the fruity sweetness to the front with buttery caramel and sultanas. There is a luxurious mouthfeel to this dram. It is silky smooth and very drinkable. Only the slightest hints of the cognac cask but enough to make it noticeable. Not the most complex dram, but approachable.

FINISH: Cinnamon, toasted oak and soft fruity notes. Medium length but warming and delicious.

RATING: EXCELLENT

A delicious blend. I opened this bottle towards the end of December, and I don’t think it will see the middle of February. The only bottle we finished faster was the Ardbeg An Oa. It is delicious and drinkable.

I missed the sherry notes from the Chivas Extra a bit, but the creamy mouth made up for the loss. This bottle will make a perfect gift for a whisky lover.

The cognac finish makes it luxurious; however, it remains easy drinking. The Chivas Regal XV is not overly complicated or intimidating, but approachable and delicious. The XV whisky cost about R520 in SA, which I don’t think is too expensive for a 15 year old dram. On Amazon you can pick it up for around £40.

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Meandering the world, one whisky at a time

Tag: Pernod Ricard Page 3 of 7

Ballantine’s Finest Blended Scotch Whisky

Ballantine’s Finest Blended Scotch Whisky Review

Chivas Regal 12 year old Whisky

Chivas Regal 12 year old Blended Whisky Review

Redbreast 12 year old Irish Whiskey

Redbreast 12 year old Irish Whiskey Review

Tullamore DEW vs Jameson Irish Whiskey

Tullamore DEW Irish Whiskey

Jameson Irish Whiskey

Tullamore DEW vs Jameson Irish Whiskey

Chivas Regal XV Blended Whisky

Chivas Regal XV Whisky Review